ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Attorney-General how many creditors to the Law Officers' Departments owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Dominic Grieve: The information requested is contained in the following tables.
	
		
			 Treasury Solicitor's Department (TSol)(1) 
			  Number of creditor invoices over £10,000 paid more than 30 days after receipt 
			  Between 31 to 45 days Between 46 to 60 days Between 61 to 75 days Between 76 to 90 days Over 91 days 
			 2010-11 39 15 5 4 14 
			 2011-12 55 6 6 0 3 
			 2012-13 34 8 5 5 7 
			 (1) Tsol data also covers the Attorney-General's Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. 
		
	
	
		
			 Serious Fraud Office 
			  Number of creditor invoices over £10,000 paid more than 30 working days after receipt 
			  Between 31 to 45 days Between 46 to 60 days Between 61 to 75 days Between 76 to 90 days Over 91 days 
			 2010-11 78 10 4 2 7 
			 2011-12 53 7 3 3 1 
			 2012-13 22 10 2 1 2 
		
	
	
		
			 Crown Prosecution Service 
			  Number of creditor invoices over £10,000 paid more than 30 days after receipt 
			  Between 31 to 45 days Between 46 to 60 days Between 61 to 75 days Between 76 to 90 days Over 91 days 
			 2010-11 347 179 101 71 142 
			 2011-12 251 144 56 52 150 
			 2012-13 172 79 60 28 88

Proceeds of Crime

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what the reasons are for the decline in assets recovered from convicted criminals by the Serious Fraud Office between 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Dominic Grieve: The Serious Fraud Office deals with a small number of large value cases each year and so the sums recovered from criminals vary greatly and year on year comparisons are an inaccurate measure of performance.
	A single large case can distort the figures. The sums recovered over the past five years are as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2012-13 11.4 
			 2011-12 50.2 
			 2010-11 42.7 
			 2009-10 10.3 
			 2008-09 3.5 
		
	
	The sums recovered by the Serious Fraud Office from convicted criminals as a result of confiscation orders increased from £3,328,273 in the financial year 2011-12 to £3,874,030 in the last financial year. The SFO also recovers money from those associated with criminal or unlawful conduct and it is this sum that has declined.

Serious Fraud Office

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how many severance packages the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) agreed to in 2012-13; how much each such package was; and for how long each recipient had worked at the SFO.

Dominic Grieve: In 2012-13 three senior civil servants left the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and received severance payments.
	A fourth individual who was operating at SCS level on a fixed term contract also left the SFO and received a redundancy payment.
	The details of the exit terms for all four individuals were contained in a written ministerial statement dated 4 December 2012, Official Report, column 51WS.
	In addition eight junior graded staff left the SFO through a voluntary exit scheme at a total cost of £570,000. Those individuals had between six and 29 years service in the SFO and the wider civil service.

Serious Fraud Office

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General whether the Serious Fraud Office subsidies the connecting costs of any of its employees.

Dominic Grieve: The expiry of the lease on the Serious Fraud Offices in Elm Street required new premises to be found. In December 2011 the current location of Cockspur Street was identified. In March 2012 the then Chief Executive and Executive Board agreed a scheme to pay excess fares for a period of three years from the date of the move in November 2012 to staff who incurred additional travel costs as a result of the transfer. The additional travel cost is the difference in cost between their previous journey to work and the most cost effective and reasonable means of travel to the new workplace. This is subject to tax and national insurance. 38 staff have had a claim for excess fares approved.
	The SFO has four investigative staff who are contracted to work at locations outside London. The SFO does not subsidise any of their commuting costs but pays their travel on the occasions when they are required to attend meetings at another location, in line with the SFO's travel and subsistence policy.

Serious Fraud Office: Redundancy and severance arrangements

Nick Smith: To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the Tenth Report of the Public Accounts Committee, Session 2013-14, HC 360 on Serious Fraud Office: redundancy and severance arrangements, whether the police will be asked to investigate the unauthorised redundancy and severance payments made by the former director of the Serious Fraud Office.

Dominic Grieve: The Director of the Serious Fraud Office is aware of his obligations. If any evidence of potential criminal offences were to come to his attention, he would report them to the appropriate authorities.

Serious Fraud Office: Redundancy and severance arrangements

Nick Smith: To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the Tenth Report of the Public Accounts Committee, Session 2013-14, HC360 on Serious Fraud Office: redundancy and severance arrangements, what assessment he has made of the unauthorised redundancy and severance payments made by the former director of the Serious Fraud Office in relation to misconduct in public office.

Oliver Heald: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) considered the redundancy and severance arrangements. The Attorney-General and I have accepted the conclusions of the PAC report. It will be for the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, as Accounting Officer, to take forward any relevant actions.
	The position regarding the redundancy and severance agreements is set out on pages 30-31 of the Serious Fraud Office’s annual accounts for 2011-12 which are available online at:
	http://www.sfo.gov.uk/media/223353/annual%20report%20and%20accounts%202011-12.pdf

Serious Fraud Office: Redundancy and severance arrangements

Nick Smith: To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the Tenth Report of the Public Accounts Committee, Session 2013-14, HC 360 on Serious Fraud Office: redundancy and severance arrangements, what steps he is taking to recover the unauthorised redundancy and severance payments made by the former director of the Serious Fraud Office.

Oliver Heald: I refer the hon. Member to the response the Attorney-General gave to the hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury (Emily Thornberry) on 18 July 2013, Official Report, column 787W. The Director of the Serious Fraud Office has written to the recipients of the unauthorised ex-gratia payments to request they repay the money. No repayments have been received so far.

Wales

Guto Bebb: To ask the Attorney-General whether the Law Officers' Departments provide services to people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales.

Dominic Grieve: The Law Officers' Departments provide the same services to people resident in Wales as they do to people resident in England.

Welsh Language

Guto Bebb: To ask the Attorney-General whether the Law Officers' Departments have a current Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May 2011.

Dominic Grieve: The Law Officer's Departments are not considered to be "public bodies" under the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993 (sections 6 and 21) and are consequently not required to publish a Welsh language scheme. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does however have an approved Welsh language scheme. The original scheme was revised in August 2008. The CPS has and continues to report on a yearly basis in relation to the operation of the scheme to the Welsh Language Commissioner's office. The scheme was reviewed in June 2013 and can be accessed at:
	http://www.cps.gov.uk/wales/assets/uploads/files/CYNLLUN%20IAITH%20GYMRAEG%20-%20WELSH%20LANGUAGE%20SCHEME.pdf

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Attorney-General 
	(1)  how many questions answered by the Law Officers' Departments included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it the Law Officers' Departments' policy to ensure that all answers provided by the Law Officers' Departments containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Dominic Grieve: The Office of the Leader of the House has issued guidance to Departments on publishing statistical data or referring to websites in answers and the Attorney-General's Office aims to follow this guidance. The guidance itself can be found at
	http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work
	Between 17 June and the 17 July 2013 32 of the written questions answered by the AGO included statistical data tables which were published fully in the Official Report.

PRIME MINISTER

Burma

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2013, Official Report, column 444W, on Burma, what the outcomes were and what actions were agreed as a result of his discussions with President Thein Sein on (a) progress on political and economic reform, including the need for responsible trade and investment, (b) the UK's concerns about Kachin and Rakhine states, (c) human rights and (d) the release of remaining political prisoners.

David Cameron: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) on 17 July 2013, Official Report column 109WS.

Lynton Crosby

Michael Dugher: To ask the Prime Minister with reference to the answer of 4 March 2013, Official Report, column 847W, on Michael Dugher, on how many occasions Mr Lynton Crosby has been registered on the access control records as a visitor to Downing Street since November 2012.

David Cameron: I meet Lynton Crosby in my capacity as Leader of the Conservative Party.
	I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 May 2013, Official Report, column 332W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson).

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many questions answered by No. 10 Downing Street included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by No. 10 Downing Street containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

David Cameron: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 12 July 2013, Official Report, column 445W. Where my answers refer to a hyperlink the relevant page is provided to the Member and a copy is placed in the Library of the House.
	I also refer the hon. Member to section 7.32 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work. The full guide can be accessed online at:
	www.tinyurl.com/ParliGuide
	Readily available information and published sources
	7.32 Members are advised that questions must be seeking information that is not readily available elsewhere in the public domain (including in answers to identical or similar questions in a previous session). Increasingly, this is the case as more and more information is available on government websites, though not necessarily in the format requested in the question

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Commission on the Consequences of Devolution for the House of Commons

Hywel Williams: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what date the Government will respond formally to the McKay Commission; and whether the response will form a package of proposals related to financial powers for Wales.

Chloe Smith: The Government is considering the McKay Commission's report seriously and constructively and intends to respond in the autumn.
	The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (Danny Alexander)’s written ministerial statement on 17 July 2013, Official Report, columns 100-101WS, described further work that will take place before the Government responds to the Silk Commission's report on fiscal powers for the National Assembly for Wales.
	The two Commissions were launched separately and have carried out important work in their own right. The reports cover different issues, and the merits of each will be considered in its own right.

Nobel Peace Prize

Brian Binley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which representatives of the Government attended the most recent Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo.

Nicholas Clegg: No representatives of the Government attended the recent Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo.

Trident

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which people, service personnel and organisations were consulted during the Trident Alternatives Review.

Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply 
	as the Minister responsible for the Trident Alternative Review.
	The review was led by officials in the Cabinet Office, drawing upon advice from military and civilian experts from within Her Majesty's Government, primarily from the Ministry of Defence and from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on an as-required basis. They included experts from policy, intelligence, scientific, capability and cost areas and senior military and civilian staff.

Trident

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of (a) the total monetary cost and (b) how many full-time equivalent staff worked on the preparation of the Trident Alternatives Review.

Kevan Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will publish a detailed account of the total costs of the Trident Alternatives Review.

John Woodcock: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost of the preparation of the Trident Alternatives Review was.

Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply 
	as the Minister responsible for the Trident Alternatives Review.
	The costs of the review were met from within existing departmental budgets. They were limited to: the time spent by officials in the Cabinet Office leading the review, which over the past year consisted of two full-time staff and a senior civil servant; the time spent by experts providing advice on an as-required basis, primarily from the Ministry of Defence and from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and to any incidental travel costs associated with attending meetings.
	These costs are not centrally recorded and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

WALES

Apprentices

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what plans he has to promote such strategies.

Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office fully supports the Government's apprenticeships strategy, employing two apprentices of its own. Wales Office staff have also recently provided professional support for the civil service wide apprenticeship assessment centres.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Stephen Crabb: None.

Cwm Taf Health Board

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the cost of (a) upgrading Cwm Taf Health Board to the status of university and (b) creating additional Professor or Chair titles at that university; whether he has had discussions with the First Minister on these matters; and if he will make a statement.

David Jones: I have not received any representations on the costs of (a) upgrading Cwm Taf Health Board to the status of university or (b) creating additional professor or chair titles at that university. This is not a matter that the First Minister has raised during our regular meetings.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office has not introduced or revoked any regulations in the period described.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Stephen Crabb: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 751W.

SCOTLAND

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

David Mundell: No creditors to the Scotland Office owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office is responsible for managing a programme of Orders under the Scotland Act 1998, Generally, these Orders make changes to the law in England and Wales, Northern Ireland or the reserved law of the UK which are outwith the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. Many of these changes are consequential to provisions made in Acts of the Scottish Parliament. The Orders do not in themselves introduce or revoke regulations.

Scottish Youth Parliament

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings he has had with members of the Scottish Youth Parliament; and what matters were discussed.

David Mundell: Both the Secretary of State and I have met representatives of the Scottish Youth Parliament at events that we have attended in a ministerial capacity.
	Scotland Office officials met with a representative of the Scottish Youth Parliament in June 2013 to discuss Scottish involvement in the UK Youth Parliament.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

David Mundell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 751W.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many creditors to her Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Theresa Villiers: The number of creditors to my Department owed more than £10,000 which remained unpaid for the periods specified in each of the last three years were as follows:
	
		
			 Number of creditors 
			  More than: 
			  30 days 45 days 60 days 75 days 90 days 
			 2010-11 1 2 — — — 
			 2011-12 — — 2 — — 
			 2012-13 1 — — — —

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the title is of each regulation her Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if she will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: My Department has introduced the following regulations since 2010:
	
		
			 Title Number 
			 2010  
			 The European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 2010/1175 
			 The Electoral Law (Polling Station Scheme) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2010 2010/1532 
			 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 2010/143 
			   
			 2011  
			 None — 
			   
			 2012  
			 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2012 2012/123 
			 Allocation of Homelessness (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 2012/429 
			   
			 2013  
			 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 2013/48 
			 The Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (1)— 
			 The Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (1)— 
			 (1) No number yet—due to be made soon. 
		
	
	My Department has responsibilities chiefly on constitutional, electoral and national security fields; they do not generally concern business regulation.
	My Department revoked The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and The Identification and Traceability of Explosives (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2012 by means of the 2013 regulations cited above.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many questions answered by her Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if she will make it her policy to ensure that all answers provided by her Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Theresa Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 750W.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Apprentices

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many apprenticeships her Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010.

Hugh Robertson: DCMS is fully committed to the apprenticeship scheme and, with The Royal Parks, has agreed to provide at least five apprenticeships every year, going forward.
	Apprenticeships created by DCMS:
	(a) 2010—15
	(b) 2011—9
	(c) 2012—6
	We do not hold information for our arm's length bodies.
	We do not keep information on the ages of individuals who have undertaken apprenticeships with the Department.
	The Department is committed to supporting opportunities for young people and the new Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeships scheme, which is currently being piloted, will be available to those who are between 18 to 21 years of age.

Betting Shops

Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many betting shops are located in each parliamentary constituency.

Hugh Robertson: Gambling premises are licensed by local authorities and a breakdown by parliamentary constituency is, therefore, not readily obtainable. However, local authorities are required to make details of their gambling premises register publically available and provide a monthly update to the Gambling Commission. Details of the number of gambling premises, including betting shops, located in each local authority area are made available on the Commission's website
	http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/find_licensees.aspx

Broadband

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent progress she has made on the super connected cities programme; and if she will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: The Super-Connected Cities Programme will improve digital infrastructure capability in the 22 participating cities through support for businesses via a broadband connection vouchers scheme, increased wireless connectivity in city centres and a number of other innovative connectivity projects.
	All cities have now had plans approved and in early August my Department launched a two-month market test for the connection vouchers scheme in five participating Super-Connected Cities (Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Salford).
	The market tests will be reviewed in October with roll-out to the other cities expected to follow soon after. We will continue to work closely with all Super-Connected Cities to ensure that all elements of the programme are delivered by 2015.

Broadband: Rural Areas

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the BDUK rural broadband framework contract covers marketing and communications for broadband services; and whether local authorities will have any future role in delivering marketing and communication services.

Edward Vaizey: holding answer 13 May 2013
	The rural broadband framework contract includes options for a range of demand stimulation, marketing and communications activities.

Charities

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish a table listing every charity which receives more than 25% of its funding from her Department.[Official Report, 6 September 2013, Vol. 567, c. 7-8MC.]

Hugh Robertson: The following charities receive more than 25% of their funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport:
	Arts Council England
	British Film Institute
	British Library
	British Museum
	Churches Conservation Trust
	English Heritage
	Geffrye Museum
	Horniman Museum
	Imperial War Museum
	National Film and Television School
	National Gallery \
	National Museums Liverpool (National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside)
	National Portrait Gallery
	Natural History Museum
	Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
	Royal Armouries
	Royal Museums Greenwich (National Maritime Museum)
	Science Museum Group
	Sir John Soane's Museum
	Victoria & Albert Museum
	Wallace Collection.

Football League

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  if she will meet representatives of the Football League to discuss whether the owners of Coventry City FC have fulfilled the criteria required by the Football League’s regulations in order to play at another club’s stadium;
	(2)  if she will meet representatives of the Football League to discuss potential changes to the Football League’s regulations in order to avoid financial difficulties forcing football clubs to play away from their home town.

Hugh Robertson: I meet regularly with the Football League to discuss a range of issues. I also met with the hon. Member and the right hon. Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) to hear their concerns about the situation faced by Coventry FC, and have raised their specific concerns with the Football League in writing, including the application of their own criteria and regulations in regards to Coventry City FC.
	I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I receive an answer.

Gambling: Lotteries

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the effect of the costs of recruiting society lottery players on the amount that the society lotteries give to charities;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of (a) the money raised for the good causes and (b) the annual percentage difference from society lotteries in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Hugh Robertson: The Gambling Commission's industry statistics show that between 2009 and 2012 money raised by society lotteries for good causes increased from £100.57 million in 2009-10 to £103.46 million in 2010-11, £132.05 million in 2011-12 and £151.94 million in 2012-13. Balancing the long-term potential future income to the good cause from introducing a new player against the initial recruitment cost is a matter for the society lotteries concerned. However, for each lottery draw they must ensure that those short-term costs do not cause the overall amount given to the good cause to fall below the statutory minimum of 20% of their ticket sales and that any expenses (including those related to player recruitment) are reasonably incurred.

Legal Costs

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department spent on external lawyers' fees in the last year for which figures are available.

Hugh Robertson: The Department spent £2,480,812 on external lawyer's fees in the last financial year (2012-13).

Library Services

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent assessment she has made of the effect of reductions in funding for local authorities on the provision of library services in England.

Edward Vaizey: Local authorities have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service taking into account local needs and within available resources. My Department monitors and assesses proposals and decisions being made about changes to library services by local authorities across England.

Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with executives fom the Science Museum Group regarding the future of the Museum of Science and Industry (Manchester).

Edward Vaizey: holding answer 17 June 2013
	A list of ministerial meetings since May 2010 is available on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Transparency website, which can be found at this web address:
	www.transparency.culture.gov.uk

Music: Disability

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with disability groups about young people's experiences regarding watching live music.

Edward Vaizey: This Government funds Attitude is Everything, via Arts Council England, which improves deaf and disabled people's access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry. I met with representatives from this and other organisations in 2012 to discuss improving accessibility at live entertainment venues.
	More generally, section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 requires service providers (those who provide a service to the public or a section of the public), which includes music venues, to make a ‘reasonable adjustment’ so that disabled people are not placed at a “substantial disadvantage” compared to non-disabled people.

National Lottery

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the value was of sales of National Lottery scratch cards in Northern Ireland in each year between 2009 and 2012; and what the value was of National Lottery ticket sales in Northern Ireland in each such year.

Hugh Robertson: Sales figures for national lottery games in Northern Ireland are not recorded separately, and when combined with wider regional sales figures, are not available in a directly comparable format for the years requested due to changes in the way that regional sales are recorded. Since 2009, sales figures for national lottery games in Northern Ireland have been recorded in a single sales area with Northern Scotland. Prior to this they were included in the Western Scotland region statistics. National lottery ticket and scratch card sales are combined into a single sales figure. Sales figures for the combined Northern Ireland and Northern Scotland region show total ticket and scratch card sales of £366,733,369 for the year to March 31 2012, £351,521,650 for a comparable period ending 2011, and £314,956,910 for the period ending 2010 (although the time period is not directly comparable). The Northern Ireland and Western Scotland region showed total ticket sales of £209,233,909 for 2009; no corresponding scratch card sales figures are available.

Publications

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department spent on subscriptions to academic journals published by (a) Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, (c) Springer and (d) any other academic publisher in each of the last five years.

Hugh Robertson: The Department generally uses on-demand services for online access to individual journal articles and subscriptions to journals are only taken out on an exceptional basis. The Department has recorded direct spend in the last five years on subscriptions to academic journals of:
	Reed-Elsevier: Nil
	Wiley-Blackwell: £907.90 in 2008-09
	Springer: £535.23 in 2009-10
	Subscriptions to other academic journals are made through the same agents used to. supply newspapers and other periodicals. Detailed billing information is not held to identify costs by title/publisher and therefore information on spend with other academic publishers could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Sports: Scotland

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the proportion of (a) under-16 year olds, (b) 16 to 25 year olds, (c) 25 to 40 year olds, (d) 40 to 60 year olds and (e) over 60 year olds who take part in recreational sport in (i) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (ii) Renfrewshire and (iii) Scotland.

Hugh Robertson: This is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Scottish Government.

Telephone Services

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects Ofcom to publish detailed proposals on simplifying non-geographic numbers; and how she expects the proposals to be implemented by (a) government, (b) other public bodies and (c) other UK businesses and organisations.

Edward Vaizey: On 15 April 2013, Ofcom set out its detailed policy proposals to simplify non-geographic numbers. Their main proposals included making freephone 080 and 116 numbers free to call from all landline and mobile telephones. Also, revenue sharing ranges, 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers, where a portion of the retail charge is passed back to the receiver of the call, will have a common simplified structure. The proposals are subject to a final consultation on the legal instruments, which will put them into effect, and this process is expected to be completed by July 2013. Following the confirmation of the legal instruments, there will be an 18 month implementation period. Government, other public bodies and UK businesses and organisations will be required to implement the changes by the end of the 18 months. Ofcom has already started discussions with industry and Government Departments to explain the changes and the impact for them.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she plans to answer Question 160538, tabled on 12 June 2013 for answer on 20 June 2013.

Edward Vaizey: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement tabled on 4 July 2013, Official Report, column 60-61WS.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Leader of the House 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Office included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Office containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Andrew Lansley: My Office has answered no questions which include statistical data in a table format within the period starting on 18 June 2013 and finishing on 18 July 2013.
	The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons provides guidance to all Departments on the practice of answering parliamentary questions. The guidance advises that the answer should give the Member the factual information requested (including supplying paper copies of the website pages), with an additional line in the answer indicating that the information is available in the House of Commons Library.
	The full Guide is available on the Cabinet Office website at:
	http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work
	A copy of the guidance relating to referring to websites has already been placed in the Library and the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons intends to review the Guide to Parliamentary Work later this year.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Commonwealth

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to encourage Commonwealth member states that criminalise consensual, private same-sex sexual conduct to repeal such legislation; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Duncan: The protection and promotion of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people forms part of the UK's international human rights agenda. DFID works closely with the FCO who lead the UK's work internationally on LGBT rights.
	DFID raises human rights issues in dialogue with partner Governments, and supports LGBT groups to raise awareness in communities, to combat violence, harassment and exclusion, and to challenge discriminatory practices and laws. The UK supported the strengthened Commonwealth Charter which opposes all forms of discrimination.

Crown Dependencies

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  if she plans to meet representatives from the Crown dependencies to explore how to develop further the value those territories contribute to the UK economy;
	(2)  what plans she has to strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and Jersey.

Alan Duncan: No Crown dependency qualifies routinely for DFID's support under the International Development Act 2002.

Development Framework: Post 2015

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to engage parliamentarians in developing policy on the Post-2015 Development Framework; and if she will ask the Prime Minister to meet parliamentarians to discuss their role in that process.

Alan Duncan: DFID welcomes the engagement parliamentarians have had on this agenda, including two Westminster Hall debates this year on Post-2015 and a number of APPG events, as well as the valuable role played by the International Development Committee. The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), intends to speak to APPGs after the summer recess and to continue to engage with Parliament over the next two years of negotiations on this important agenda.

G8 Summit

Iain McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of the likely effects of the outcomes agreed at the G8 Summit in June 2013 on developing countries; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Duncan: At the Lough Erne summit, leaders discussed how the G8 can support the development of open economies, open governments and open societies by advancing trade, ensuring fairer taxes and promoting greater transparency. The commitments made at the G8 summit will see the G8 working in partnership with developing countries, business and civil society to make progress on these global issues and, in doing so, help developing countries to establish a thriving private sector, create jobs and raise the revenues required to control their own future. A range of partners, including developing country governments, made commitments in support of this agenda at the G8 ‘Open for Growth’ event on 15 June.
	We have also used our presidency to tackle hunger. The Lough Erne Communiqué endorsed the commitments that were made at the pre-summit ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event, which will prevent at least 1.7 million infant deaths, save an additional 20 million children under-five from stunting, and improve the nutrition of 500 million pregnant women and young children by 2020. Another pre-summit event on Social Impact Investment will help to accelerate the growth of this market, therefore increasing investments targeted at enterprises that benefit the poor as consumers, suppliers, producers or employees.

Montserrat

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent (a) technical assistance her Department has provided and (b) representations her Department has made to the Montserrat government with regard to that Territory's Conservation and Environmental Management Bill.

Alan Duncan: Although environmental management is an issue devolved to the Government of Montserrat, DFID takes a keen interest in it. As part of the Strategic Growth Plan for Montserrat, DFID has supported the creation of an appropriate legal and institutional framework for environment management as a key reform priority. DFID will provide further technical support for work on environmental and climate change management under this framework.
	I expect the Bill to enact the Conservation and Environment Act, a fundamental milestone in establishing such a framework, to be passed in August.

Nepal: Judicial Reform

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the (a) objectives, (b) project partners, (c) intended beneficiaries and (d) allocated funding from his Department is of the Security and Judicial Reform Project in Nepal; and how his Department plans to measure the impact of that project.

Alan Duncan: DFID plans to support a new justice and security programme from late 2013. The main objective of the programme will be to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in Nepal to secure better justice. As the project is still in its design phase, the implementing partners have not yet been identified but, these are likely to be a mixture of national justice sector institutions and non-governmental organisations. The intended results are to make the police more responsive to the communities they serve, to support a well-functioning and independent justice system and to tackle sexual and domestic violence. It is envisaged that up to £35 million will be set aside to fund this programme. The impact of the programme will be measured by regular collection of data on the justice system and by measuring the impact on beneficiaries.

Pakistan: Human Rights

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department has attached conditions to UK bilateral aid to Pakistan that would protect the human rights of (a) the Hazaras and (b) other persecuted groups in Quetta.

Alan Duncan: The UK's aid programme in Pakistan is strictly dependent on securing results and value for money for all our projects, and the Government of Pakistan's own progress on reform at federal and provincial levels. DFID assesses the Government's progress in key areas through the UK's Development Partnership discussions, including protecting the human rights of all Pakistanis. DFID and the FCO also regularly raise human rights issues with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels.

Pakistan: Victims of Terrorism

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department has allocated funding in its aid budget for supporting victims of terrorism in Quetta, Pakistan.

Alan Duncan: The UK provides support to Balochistan through the World Bank-administered Multi Donor Trust Fund. This helps restore damaged infrastructure, improve government services and develop livelihoods in conflict affected areas of Pakistan.

Palestinian Healthcare System

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what reports her Department has received on the work being undertaken by the Hadassah Hospital in support of the Palestinian healthcare system; and if her Department will provide support to extend such medical programmes for the purpose of encouraging peaceful coexistence.

Alan Duncan: We welcome efforts by Palestinian and Israeli medical professionals to collaborate more closely.
	The UK is supporting a project implemented by the Peres Centre and Palestinian Red Crescent Society through the Conflict Pool. This places Palestinian doctors and healthcare professionals in Israeli hospitals for training. Over the course of the project, Conflict Pool funds will support the training of up to 50 doctors in hospitals across Israel.
	Hadassah hospital is one of the participating establishments. Since the project began, six doctors have begun work in Hadassah hospital, and more will train at Hadassah hospital in the future.

Syria

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2013, Official Report, column 280W, on Syria, if she will make representations to the United Nations to specifically assess the needs of (a) disabled and (b) young refugees from Syria.

Alan Duncan: In the recently revised Regional Response Plan to meet the needs of refugees and others affected by the Syrian crisis in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, the UN outlines how the co-ordinated humanitarian response will meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Data is available on registered refugees and those pending registration, allowing humanitarian actors to target the most vulnerable groups including minors and disabled persons, as well as other vulnerable groups including elderly persons and female or child-headed households.
	Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by this crisis continues to. be a priority for the UK, both in our humanitarian programme and in the representations we make to the wider international community. The Secretary of State for International Development called for this most recently in her meeting with the heads of UN agencies and during her visit to Lebanon in early July.

Syria

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of Syrian refugees coming into refugee camps in (a) Lebanon, (b) Jordan, (c) Iraq and (d) Turkey on the resources and needs of long-term refugees already present in these countries.

Alan Duncan: There are now over 1.8 million refugees in the region including (a) 629,000 in Lebanon, (b) 502,000 in Jordan, (c) 413,000 in Turkey, (d) 161,000 in Iraq and (e) 95,000 in Egypt. Some live in camps close to the border, but the vast majority are living in host communities or rented accommodation. Refugees are crossing the border in an increasingly poor state, often with little more than the clothes on their backs, while refugees who have been present in these countries for a longer period of time are running out of resources and becoming increasingly vulnerable.
	The UK has recognised the increasing needs of all those affected by the crisis, including the immediate needs of those refugees who have recently crossed the border, as well as the long-term needs of refugees already present and the increasingly vulnerable, communities that are hosting them. That is why, at the G8 summit, the Prime Minister announced that the UK was doubling its funding for the crisis, pledging a further £175 million, and bringing our total funding to date to over £348 million—the largest sum the UK has ever committed to. a single humanitarian crisis. Of this new funding, £50 million will go each to Jordan and Lebanon, including funding for longer-term initiatives.

Tibet

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what level of aid her Department provides to the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan regions in China; and what the main areas of focus are of such programmes. [R]

Alan Duncan: DFID does not have a bilateral programme in the Tibetan region. It is included within a small number of regional programmes looking at helping people adapt to the effects of changing river flows, such as in the Mount Kailash area.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  how many questions answered by her Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if she will make it her policy to ensure that all answers provided by her Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Alan Duncan: From 17 June to 17 July DFID answered 10 parliamentary questions that contained statistics in the form of a table. All were fewer than four pages in the Official Report. DFID strives to provide answers that are accurate, clear and concise—this includes providing statistical data in full. In instances where the data requested is of substantial length and is in the public domain DFID will provide Members with a hyperlink.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcoholic Drinks: Prices

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government regarding introducing minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Wales.

Jeremy Browne: The alcohol consultation covered England and Wales and received approximately 1,500 responses, including a response from the Welsh Assembly Government. We have considered all of these carefully and published our response and next steps on 17 July 2013.

Armed Forces

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent work her Department has commissioned on armed forces servicemen becoming involved in far right groups while they are still serving or once they have left the military.

Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has not commissioned any work to look at this issue specifically. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has guidance on the appropriate behaviour and activities of serving personnel, including their involvement in the affairs of political organisations, parties or movements, or participation in political marches or demonstrations. The MOD will follow up any misconduct and will assist relevant authorities to investigate any allegations of criminal activity.

Armed Forces

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is a Government working group on armed forces servicemen or former servicemen involved in far right groups.

Damian Green: There is currently no Government working group looking specifically at this issue.

Arrest Warrants

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people wanted by UK police have been (a) arrested in other EU member states under an EU arrest warrant, (b) returned to the UK, (c) prosecuted and (d) convicted of an offence by a UK court since April 2010.

Mark Harper: holding answer 2 July 2013
	I have been informed by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) that between the financial years 2010-11 and 2012-13, 431 people were arrested in other EU member states, pursuant to a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) issued by the UK. In the same time period, 397 people were surrendered back to the UK pursuant to an EAW.
	Information relating to the number of prosecutions and convictions is not held centrally. SOCA, and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (for Scotland), are the designated central authority for processing EAWs involving the UK. The involvement of these agencies in the extradition process ends at the point of surrender back to the UK, as the person is then subject to the normal criminal justice system.

Arrest Warrants

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were extradited to the UK under a European arrest warrant in 2012-13; and from which EU member states they were extradited.

Mark Harper: holding answer 1 July 2013
	I have been informed by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) that 123 people were extradited to the UK under a European Arrest Warrant in 2012-13.
	The countries they were extradited from can be seen in the following table:
	
		
			 Surrenders, 2012-13 
			  Number 
			 Austria 0 
			 Belgium 4 
		
	
	
		
			 Bulgaria 2 
			 Cyprus 2 
			 Czech Republic 2 
			 Denmark 0 
			 Estonia 0 
			 Finland 1 
			 France 9 
			 Germany 5 
			 Gibraltar 2 
			 Greece 0 
			 Hungary 0 
			 Ireland 24 
			 Italy 6 
			 Latvia 2 
			 Lithuania 0 
			 Luxembourg 0 
			 Malta 1 
			 Netherlands 15 
			 Poland 6 
			 Portugal 4 
			 Romania 4 
			 Slovakia 3 
			 Slovenia 0 
			 Spain 31 
			 Sweden 0 
			   
			 Total 123

Asylum

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people granted asylum in the UK in each of the last five years were from (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan.

Mark Harper: The following table shows how many people granted asylum in the UK in each of the last five years were from (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan. Grants consist of asylum, humanitarian protection, discretionary leave and indefinite leave to remain under private and family life rules.
	
		
			 Total asylum grants at initial decision, for main applicants 2008-12 
			  Country of nationality Total grants Grants of asylum Grants of HP Grants of DL Other grants(1) 
			 2008 Afghanistan 988 100 12 876 — 
			  Iraq 397 181 7 209 — 
			        
			 2009 Afghanistan 1,381 156 8 1,217 — 
			  Iraq 253 95 5 153 — 
			        
			 2010 Afghanistan 762 158 4 600 — 
			  Iraq 128 55 8 65 — 
			        
			 2011(2) Afghanistan 388 110 2 276 — 
			  Iraq 80 43 3 34 — 
			        
			 2012(2) Afghanistan 288 142 3 139 4 
			  Iraq 53 38 2 10 3 
			 (1) Other grants includes indefinite leave to remain under private and family life rules. (2) Provisional data. 
		
	
	The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics on asylum decisions within the Immigration Statistics release. A copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics January to March 2013 is available from:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release
	and also from the Library of the House.

British Nationality

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances an individual who holds a permanently unspent criminal conviction is allowed to become a British citizen.

Mark Harper: When considering applications for British citizenship, criminal convictions form part of the assessment of whether a person is of 'good character'. Prior to 13 December 2012, these were considered in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Generally, where a conviction was unspent, the application was refused.
	For applications made on or after 13 December 2012, the requirements were amended to reflect the exemption of certain immigration and nationality decisions from section 4 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Now they are considered in line with the table outlined as follows.
	Sentence Impact on citizenship application four years or more imprisonment. Refused regardless of when the conviction occurred.
	Between 12 months and four years imprisonment Refused, unless 15 years have passed since the end of the sentence.
	Up to 12 months imprisonment Refused, unless seven years have passed since the end of the sentence.
	Non custodial sentence Refused if the conviction occurred within the last three years.
	This represents a tightening of the requirements where a person has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment. We have also reduced the amount of discretion open to caseworkers to grant in spite of a conviction.
	However, in exceptional circumstances citizenship may be granted where the application would normally be refused. In particular, where a person has been convicted of an offence which is not recognised as such in the UK (eg proselytising, homosexuality).
	
		
			 Sentence Impact on citizenship application 
			 4 years or more imprisonment Refused regardless of when the conviction occurred 
			 Between 12 months and 4 years imprisonment Refused, unless 15 years have passed since the end of the sentence 
			 Up to 12 months imprisonment Sentence 
			 Non custodial sentence Refused if the conviction occurred within the last 3 years

Counter-terrorism

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding was given to local community groups to promote the Prevent Strategy in each year since 2011.

James Brokenshire: Since 2011 the Home Office has given £4,531,870 to fund local community groups to implement the Prevent Strategy: £1,788,735 was provided in 2011-12; £1,297,952 in 2012-13; and £1,445,183 has been approved in 2013-14 so far. In many cases this funding was provided to local government to support local community projects.

Counter-terrorism

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local community projects received direct Government funding to implement the Prevent Strategy in each year since 2011.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office provided Government funding to 17 projects in 2011-12, 75 projects in 2012-13 and 52 projects for the current financial year 2013-14. In many cases this funding was provided to local government to support local community projects.

Counter-terrorism: Meetings

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings she and her officials attended with colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government to review the Prevent Strategy in each year since 1 January 2011.

James Brokenshire: The Prevent Oversight Board, which advises ministerial colleagues on the effectiveness of the Prevent strategy and its local implementation, and whose membership includes colleagues from the Department for Communities and Local Government, has met four times since its inception in spring 2012.
	More broadly, my ministerial colleagues, officials, and I maintain a close working relationship with colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government and have regular meetings about specific issues relating to Prevent. I am unable to give an exact figure for the large number of meetings we have convened and attended.

Crime

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2013, Official Report, columns 688-90W, on crime, if she will publish the equivalent data for 2012-13.

Jeremy Browne: The presentation of detections data changed for 2012-13 and the data in the following table are not directly comparable with those contained in the previous answer.
	For the year ending March 2013 figures, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published headline national crime figures that included centralised (Action Fraud) recording of fraud and a separate series which excluded fraud. Due to the staggered move of recording fraud offences by forces to Action Fraud, the number of offences, detection numbers and rates are shown excluding fraud offences to allow for consistent comparisons. The 2011-12 figures excluding fraud are also included in the new table.
	Following a public consultation in October 2011, the Home Office announced the cessation of the collection of crime statistics at Basic Command Unit (BCU) with effect from April 2012. Prior to that date, detections data were available at BCU level (which equates to London boroughs in the Metropolitan police force area) but from 2012-13 onwards are only available at police force area level.
	
		
			 Offences recorded and sanction detections by police force area (excluding fraud)(1) 
			  2011-12 2012-13 
			 Police force area Number of offences recorded Number of sanction detections(1) Sanction detection rate (%) Number of offences recorded Number of sanction detections(1) Sanction detection rate (%) 
			 Avon and Somerset 111,792 34,116 31 96,964 31,134 32 
			 Bedfordshire 39,330 9,536 24 34,825 8,766 25 
			 British Transport Police 52,404 16,390 31 51,648 15,814 31 
			 Cambridgeshire 49,839 14,358 29 44,845 12,492 28 
			 Cheshire 58,118 15,056 26 55,785 13,602 24 
			 Cleveland 42,767 16,123 38 38,886 14,651 38 
			 Cumbria 25,548 10,002 39 22,791 8,530 37 
			 Derbyshire 59,672 16,243 27 50,286 13,573 27 
			 Devon and Cornwall 89,403 24,762 28 83,440 21,489 26 
			 Dorset 43,916 9,501 22 39,525 8,542 22 
			 Durham 34,738 12,907 37 29,626 10,971 37 
			 Dyfed-Powys 20,554 10,305 50 18,636 10,303 55 
			 Essex 102,108 27,407 27 97,419 23,962 25 
			 Gloucestershire 33,694 6,892 20 29,227 6,510 22 
			 Greater Manchester 199,745 55,155 28 177,153 45,736 26 
			 Gwent 38,020 13,612 36 33,781 11,555 34 
			 Hampshire 124,646 34,753 28 105,484 30,093 29 
			 Hertfordshire 59,594 20,880 35 51,024 19,065 37 
			 Humberside 70,379 21,389 30 62,284 18,849 30 
			 Kent 97,940 31,594 32 96,548 28,830 30 
			 Lancashire 96,712 35,729 37 91,390 32,815 36 
			 Leicestershire 65,569 15,961 24 57,233 17,193 30 
			 Lincolnshire 43,130 11,440 27 36,832 9,869 27 
			 London, City of 5,925 2,122 36 5,482 1,610 29 
			 Merseyside 94,378 30,792 33 88,625 27,713 31 
			 Metropolitan Police 778,260 171,884 22 733,204 160,037 22 
			 Norfolk 41,429 13,559 33 37,491 13,229 35 
			 Northamptonshire 47,503 10,712 23 45,553 9,882 22 
			 Northumbria 73,589 31,690 43 66,295 27,484 41 
			 North Wales 41,902 12,917 31 37,187 10,551 28 
			 North Yorkshire 37,727 12,101 32 34,121 10,308 30 
			 Nottinghamshire 75,547 25,236 33 66,959 20,055 30 
			 South Wales 85,378 28,162 33 82,599 27,113 33 
			 South Yorkshire 98,831 27,228 28 91,439 23,879 26 
			 Staffordshire 63,390 18,502 29 57,456 15,990 28 
			 Suffolk 44,262 11,064 25 38,963 9,895 25 
			 Surrey 59,068 12,233 21 50,537 12,716 25 
			 Sussex 92,998 24,125 26 88,195 23,331 26 
			 Thames Valley 143,066 35,291 25 127,818 31,790 25 
			 Warwickshire 32,910 5,897 18 28,951 6,055 21 
			 West Mercia 66,963 16,731 25 58,769 15,099 26 
			 West Midlands 185,158 41,133 22 164,519 38,118 23 
			 West Yorkshire 179,365 44,637 25 159,510 39,456 25 
			 Wiltshire 34,963 8,341 24 33,015 8,378 25 
			 Total 3,842,230 1,048,468 27 3,502,320 947,053 27 
			 (1) For the year ending March 2013 figures, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published headline national crime figures that included centralised (Action Fraud) recording of fraud and a separate series which excluded fraud. Due to the staggered move of recording fraud offences by forces to Action Fraud, crime detection numbers and rates are shown excluding fraud offences to allow for consistent comparisons.

David Anderson

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times she has met David Anderson QC to discuss terrorism since 1 January 2013.

James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery.

Employment

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with employers on the minimum wage and illegal immigration.

Mark Harper: On 9 July a consultation was published on measures to reform the civil penalty scheme to prevent illegal migrant working. Officials are currently engaging with employers on the proposals.
	The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to the national minimum wage and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enforces this on behalf of BIS. Home Office Immigration Enforcement works closely with HMRC and other Government Departments and agencies, to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to employer breaches of workplace compliance requirements, including the employment of illegal migrant workers and breach of the national minimum wage.

Firearms: Licensing

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect on public safety of (a) banning the private storage of firearms in domestic dwellings, (b) undertaking annual mental health checks on firearms certificate holders and (c) creating a publicly-available register of individuals with access to firearms; and if she will make a statement.

Damian Green: Firearms control in the UK is among the toughest in the world. This shows clearly that gun crime will not be tolerated by this Government nor wider society.
	The Home Affairs Committee in its report on firearms control, published in December 2010, concluded that the storage of weapons at central locations would not reduce the risk of theft. The Committee also considered that annual health checks on certificate holders would be both resource intensive and disproportionate. The Government supports these conclusions.
	Our assessment is that a publically-available register of those with access to firearms would compromise public safety and could lead to the theft of legally held weapons.

Homicide and Wounding: Costs

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the annual costs from homicide and wounding since 2005; and how this figure for 2013 is broken down.

Jeremy Browne: The Home Office does not estimate the annual costs of homicide or wounding.
	The social and economic costs associated with crimes, including homicide and wounding, in 2010 prices, are published in the following location:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unit-costs-of-crime-and-multipliers-revised
	Further detail on costs of crime estimates, including more detailed breakdowns of the unit costs, and a methodology for uprating values to the current year, can be found via the following links:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218135832/rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hors217.pdf
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100413151441/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr3005.pdf
	Crime volumes are published quarterly by the Office for National Statistics.
	Table A4 in the latest publication
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcmpercent3A77-314526
	displays police recorded crime volumes of homicides and various categories of violence against the person, while Table A1 displays estimated volumes from the Crime Survey of England and Wales, including the category of wounding.

Illegal Immigrants

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of illegal immigrants in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each of the last five years.

Mark Harper: Government estimates on the illegal migrant population at local or national level are not available. Given the clandestine nature of illegal migrants, any estimation is extremely difficult and there would be considerable uncertainty around any estimates.

Legal Costs

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on external lawyers' fees in the last year for which figures are available.

James Brokenshire: In financial year 2012-13 the Home Department spent £16,584,000 on external lawyers' fees.

Members: Correspondence

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects that a reply will be sent to the letters dated 24 April 2013 and 4 June 2013 from the hon. Member for Harrow West to the UK Border Agency regarding Mr Hiren Patel of Harrow.

Mark Harper: UK Visas and Immigration wrote to the hon. Member on 18 July 2013.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to reply to the letter to the Minister of State for Immigration dated 18 June 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr Paul Mendy.

Mark Harper: I wrote to the right hon. Member on 24 July 2013.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to reply to the letter to the Minister of State for Immigration dated 10 June 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr Adeel Farrukh.

Mark Harper: I replied to the right hon. Member on 24 July 2013.

Passports

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she has taken to (a) shut down and (b) raise awareness of websites which purport to offer passport renewal services on behalf of the Passport Office.

Mark Harper: Her Majesty's Passport Office monitor the claims made by private companies which charge for services that cannot guarantee the issuing of a passport and can result in the customer paying additional and unnecessary fees. Where a company may be in breach of the law, the case would be referred as appropriate to the Advertising Standards Authority or Phonepayplus or to the relevant trading standards authority.
	We have asked the Advertising Standards Authority to request websites that are operating within the law to make clearer and more prominent that they are not acting on behalf of HM Passport Office; that the issue of a passport cannot be guaranteed; and that the passport fee is payable only when submitting an application to HM Passport Office.
	Phonepayplus has also been informed of our concern about websites that may result in the person paying unnecessary and costly fees.
	The website www.gov.uk is the only provider of the British passport and passport applicants should use the official government website.

Police and Crime Commissioner

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if her Department will bring forward proposals to bring into line the rules restricting people convicted of an imprisonable offence standing for election to the post of police and crime commissioner with the rules for other public offices.

Damian Green: A person is disqualified from standing for election as a Police and Crime Commissioner if they have at any time been convicted of an imprisonable offence, regardless of whether they were sent to prison for that offence. This high standard was set because Police Crime Commissioners will hold police forces, whose duty is to uphold the law, to account. We will consider whether any changes to rules on disqualification are needed before the next elections for Police and Crime Commissioners in 2016.

Police: Cardiff

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Oral Answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, column 766, on resourcing for South Wales police, when the last occasion was that funding for policing in Cardiff was reviewed.

Damian Green: In February 2012, the Chief Constable of South Wales police submitted a formal request for additional funding to reflect the fact that the force is responsible for policing the capital city of Wales. The request and accompanying report was carefully considered, but the Policing Minister concluded that Cardiff did not face the same challenges and responsibilities as those that come with policing London. The Policing Minister set out his decision not to provide additional funding in a letter to the chief constable in May 2012.

Police: Cardiff

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she last met the (a) Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales and (b) Chief Constable of South Wales to discuss funding for policing in Cardiff.

Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of these meetings are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Cabinet Office website.

Police: Cardiff

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of additional pressures placed on policing in Cardiff as a result of (a) the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and (b) other major sporting events in the last year.

Damian Green: The safety and security operation for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was a success. Additional funding was provided to the police, including to the former South Wales Police Authority, to ensure that they were able to take on additional responsibilities without affecting core services. No specific assessment has been made of the impact of any other major sporting event in Cardiff in the last year.

Police: Finance

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Oral Answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, column 766, on resourcing for South Wales police, what comparative assessment her Department has made of the level of funding for policing in (a) Cardiff, (b) Belfast, (c) Edinburgh and (d) London.

Damian Green: The Home Secretary is responsible for policing in England and Wales only. It is therefore not possible to comment on funding for policing in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Policing London comes with many additional yet specific responsibilities. Such responsibilities are not present to the same extent in Cardiff.

Stop and Search

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many stop and search actions have led to arrests under the Terrorism Act 2000 in each month since January 2010.

Damian Green: Data on arrests resulting from stops and searches held by the Home Office cannot identify the legislation under which each arrest was made. However data on searches made under the now repealed section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 do include data on ‘terrorism-related’ resultant arrests, broken down by quarter (monthly data are not reported to the Home Office).
	Available data show that between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 (latest available) there was one terrorism-related arrest resulting from 23,994 searches under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, in the January to March 2010 quarter.

Treaties

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) mutual legal assistance treaty requests and (b) mutual legal assistance treaty requests for communications data were made to the US in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mark Harper: Mutual legal assistance (MLA) can be used to obtain communication data for evidential purposes. The following table shows the number of MLA requests the UK Central Authority (UKCA) in the Home Office (the central authority for all MLA requests for England and Wales and Northern Ireland) (a) sent to the US in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 calendar years, and (b) number of those requests which included a request for internet or telephone data:
	
		
			  Total Data 
			 2010 88 47 
			 2011 105 65 
			 2012 114 77 
			 Note: 2010 only includes requests from 1 February 2010 when the current US-UK MLA treaty came into force. 
		
	
	This information has been provided from local management information and has not been quality assured to the level of published National Statistics. As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.

UK Border Agency

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid out by UK Border Agency in adverse legal fees in immigration cases related to incorrect or contested National Referral Mechanism decisions in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mark Harper: The Home Office holds overall figures for legal expenditure, but this is not held in a format that separately records costs relating to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
	This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Details of the former Agency's total litigation expenditure are contained in its annual Resource Accounts at:
	http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/annual-reports-accounts/

USA

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she last spoke to the US Secretary of Homeland Security.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 13 May 2013
	Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations and individuals are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Cabinet Office website which is available here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-ministers-gifts-and-hospitality-oct-2012-to-dec-2012

Work Permits: Shipping

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether UK work permit legislation applies to non-EEA seafarers offered work on a vessel registered under a flag of convenience working on routes between ports in the UK and Ireland.

Mark Harper: UK work permit legislation does not apply to non-European Economic Area crew members of vessels working routes between UK ports and ports in the Republic of Ireland, irrespective of the flags under which the vessels are operating.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many questions answered by her Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month.

Mark Harper: The Home Department’s answers to parliamentary questions are a matter of public record and can be found in the Official Report.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to reply to question 161181 tabled on 18 June 2013 for answer on 20 June 2013; and what the reasons are for the time taken to answer.

James Brokenshire: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 696W.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Food

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what proportion of all food procured for the Government Equalities Office was sourced from (a) British producers, (b) small and medium-sized enterprises and (c) producers which met British buying standards in the latest period for which figures are available.

Helen Grant: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which includes the Government Equalities Office does not procure any food.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what the title is of each regulation the Government Equalities Office (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if she will make a statement.

Helen Grant: The following list sets out the title of each statutory instrument made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in respect of the requested years. The machinery of Government change brought the Government Equalities Office (GEO) under control of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in September 2012. This list also covers the period when GEO was under the control of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
	None of these statutory instruments has been revoked in its entirety. There may be amendments and revocations in force to the provisions contained within them but there is no central record of what provisions may have been modified and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	2010
	Apportionment of Money in the National Lottery Distribution Fund Order 2010
	Audiovisual Media Services (Codification) Regulations 2010
	Audiovisual Media Services (Product Placement) Regulations 2010
	Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010
	Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Communications Act 2003 (Disclosure of Information) Order 2010
	Community Radio (Amendment) Order 2010
	Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (England) (Amendment) Order 2010
	Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (England) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2010/1966
	Equality Act 2010 (Consequential Amendments, Saving and Supplementary Provisions) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Qualifying Compromise Contract Specified Person) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Obtaining Information) Order 2010/2194
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 4, Savings, Consequential, Transitional, Transitory and Incidental Provisions and Revocation) Order 2010
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 4, Savings, Consequential, Transitional, Transitory and Incidental Provisions and Revocation) Order 2010 (Amendment) Order 2010
	Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2010
	Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act 2009 (Commencement) Order 2010
	Legislative Reform (Licensing) (Interim Authority Notices etc) Order 2010
	Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and permitted temporary activities) (Forms and notices) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	National Lottery (Annual Licence Fees) Regulations 2010
	National Lottery Act 2006 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2010
	Olympics, Paralympics and London Olympics Association Rights (Infringement Proceedings) Regulations 2010
	Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) (No. 2) etc. Regulations 2010
	Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) etc. Regulations 2010
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2010
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 3) Order 2010
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2010
	Welsh Language (Gambling and Licensing Forms) Regulations 2010
	2011
	Categories of Gaming Machine (Amendment) Regulations 2011
	Code of Practice for Electronic Programme Guides (Addition of Programme Services) Order 2011
	Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Contravention of Information Requirements) Order 2011
	Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 1) Order 2011
	Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Act 2007 (Prescription of Information) (Amendment) Order 2011
	Electronic Communications (Universal Service) (Amendment) Order 2011
	Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011
	Equality Act 2010 Codes of Practice (Services, Public Functions and Associations, Employment, and Equal Pay) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 6) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 7) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 8) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Public Authorities and Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) Order 2011
	Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011
	Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2011
	Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming Machines in Adult Gaming Centres and Bingo Premises) Order 2011
	Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2011
	Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Appointed Day) Order 2011
	Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Commencement No. 4) Order 2011
	Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2011
	London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Advertising and Trading) (England) Regulations 2011
	Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2011
	Media Ownership (Radio and Cross-media) Order 2011
	Multiplex Licence (Broadcasting of Programmes in Gaelic) (Revocation) Order 2011
	National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (Amendment of Section 23) Order 2011
	Natural History Museum (Authorised Repositories) Order 2011
	Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2011
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2011
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 3) Order 2011
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 4) Order 2011
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 5) Order 2011
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2011
	Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 (Commencement) Order 2011
	Transfer of Functions (Big Lottery Fund) Order 2011 [Order in Council]
	Wireless Telegraphy (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 2011
	2012
	Broadcasting (Local Digital Television Programme Services and Independent Productions) (Amendment) Order 2012
	Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships) Order 2012
	Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Dissolution) Order 2012
	Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 2) Order 2012
	Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 3) Order 2012
	Digital Economy Act 2010 (Transitional Provision) Regulations 2012
	Equality Act 2010 (Age Exceptions) Order 2012
	Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Order 2012
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 9) Order 2012
	Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 10) Order 2012
	Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2012
	Gambling (Licence Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012
	Gambling (Operating Licence and Single-Machine Permit Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
	Gambling Act 2005 (Amendment of Schedule 6) Order 2012
	Licensing Act 2003 (Personal licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
	Live Music Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012
	Local Digital Television Programme Services Order 2012
	Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) (No 2) Order 2012
	Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2012
	Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variation) (No. 2) Order 2012
	Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variation) Order 2012
	Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012
	Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) Regulations 2012
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2012
	Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2012
	Video Recordings (Labelling) Regulations 2012
	Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Apparatus) (The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Regulations 2012
	Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) Order 2012
	2013
	Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Services (European Union) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
	Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
	Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2013
	Legal Deposit Libraries (Non-Print Works) Regulations 2013
	Licensing Act 2003 (Descriptions of Entertainment) (Amendment) Order 2013
	Mobile Roaming (European Communities) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
	New Parks for People (England) Joint Scheme (Authorisation) Order 2013
	Olympic Lottery Distributor (Dissolution) Order 2013
	Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2013

DEFENCE

Transport to Work

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to encourage the use of environmentally friendly and cost-effective forms of transport by service personnel travelling to work.

Mark Francois: Although service personnel are free to choose whatever method of travel to work they see fit, the Department has various policies in place to encourage environmentally friendly and cost effective travel. These include travel warrants for use on public transport, the provision of free departmental transport and home to duty allowance for using a bicycle.

Education and Training

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to maintain the education and training of the armed forces.

Mark Francois: The outstanding reputation of our armed forces is due in no small part to the standard of training they receive. This training prepares personnel for their operational role and therefore lies at the core of what we do. We remain one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the UK, and offer training and education opportunities that develop our people within their armed forces career, and make them highly employable when they choose to make the transition to civilian life.

Territorial Army

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve the effectiveness of the Territorial Army; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), announced on 3 July 2013, Official Report, columns 49-53WS, the Government's commitment to our reservists, including those serving in the Army. He confirmed our clear intent to deliver a challenging and rewarding experience for the Reserves, combined with an enhanced remuneration and support package.
	The Territorial Army is to be renamed “the Army Reserve” to better reflect their future role as part of an integrated whole force and we are growing their trained strength from 19,000 to 30,000 as we implement the Army 2020 construct. In so doing, the Army Reserve will be restructured and rebalanced to enable it to deliver the roles required of it in the future and increase the capability of the integrated force.
	This is a generational opportunity to revitalise the Reserves. The new offer to potential reservists and employers is in place, and the conditions are now set for a sustained recruitment campaign to build the numbers we need. In support of this, we are investing £1.8 billion in equipping our Reserves with access to modem equipment and better training.

Training and Equipment: Reservists

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the £1.8 billion of announced funding for training and equipment of reservists will be spent.

Andrew Robathan: Reserves make an essential contribution to national security. In future their contribution to our defence capability will increase as they become an integrated part of the whole force required for almost all operations, both at home and abroad. The additional £1.8 billion will be used to increase and develop the trained strength of the reserves and to enhance their capability. It will be spent to increase recruiting and improve retention, to enhance training at all levels, and to provide more and better equipment. This investment has already begun and will enable the Reserve Forces of all three services to play greater roles as integral elements of the whole force.

Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the future of the armed forces parliamentary scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Murrison: The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme has offered parliamentarians a valuable insight into the work and lives of our Armed Forces for more than 25 years, and the charitable governance framework recently agreed with the scheme's stakeholders provides the basis to ensure its long-term sustainability in today's world in which the public rightly demands full transparency and accountability for all organisations interfacing with Parliament, especially those with commercial funding arrangements. I pay tribute to Sir Neil Thorne, the scheme's author and director, congratulate my hon. Friend for becoming Chairman of the new scheme, and assure him that the Ministry of Defence will work with the new Board of Trustees to ensure the scheme's continued success.

Post-conflict Peace Building

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training his Department provides to enable service and ex-service personnel to assist in post-conflict peace building with (a) injured and (b) other former combatants.

Mark Francois: Primary responsibility for stabilisation across Government rests with the Stabilisation Unit, an integrated civil-military tri-departmental unit funded by the MOD, the FCO and DFID. The Stabilisation Unit is also responsible for managing the Civilian Stabilisation Group, a database of deployable civilian experts and civil servants, which includes ex-service personnel in a range of specialisations. Responsibility for training personnel who will participate in post-conflict stabilisation activities rests primarily with the Stabilisation Unit. I am unaware of any training that exists specifically along the lines of the hon. Member's question.

Armoured Regiments

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the future order of battle of the armoured regiments; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: Under the Army 2020 structure, six armoured regiments will form an integral part of the three Reaction Force Brigades and will come under the command of the 3rd (UK) Division based in Bulford as follows:
	Household Cavalry Regiment (Windsor)
	The Royal Dragoon Guards (Catterick)
	The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own & Royal Irish) (Tidworth)
	The Royal Lancers (Catterick)
	The King's Royal Hussars (Tidworth)
	The Royal Tank Regiment (Tidworth)
	Armoured regiments will also have a role to play in the Adaptable Force Brigades and will continue to provide a valuable and powerful capability for the Army of the future under the command of 1st (UK) Division based in York. The three armoured regiments assigned to the Adaptable Force are:
	1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (Swanton Morley)
	The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) (Leuchars)
	The Light Dragoons (Catterick)

Middle East

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the UK's power projection capabilities in the middle east.

Andrew Robathan: The UK remains capable of power projection in the middle east, using a variety of capabilities.

Troop Numbers: Afghanistan

Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in drawing down the number of UK troops in Afghanistan to around 5,200 by the end of 2013.

Andrew Robathan: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman).

Armed Forces: Injuries

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 26 June 2013, on Spending Review, what proportion of the money accrued through the implementation of fines relating to the Libor interest rate fixing scandal will be used for injured personnel.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 1 July 2013
	The LIBOR funding announced in the 2013 Spending Round is in addition to the £35 million in LIBOR fines already being used to support the Armed Forces Covenant. How this new funding will be allocated between different elements of the covenant has yet to be determined. Proposals will be submitted to the Ministry of Defence's Armed Forces Covenant Team for consideration and agreement by the Covenant Reference Group, which reports to the Minister for Government Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for West Dorset (Mr Letwin).

Armed Forces: Injuries

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former members of the armed forces who have seen active service have been diagnosed with (a) traumatic brain injury and (b) post concussion syndrome.

Mark Francois: holding answer 18 July 2013
	The information is not held in the format requested. The Clinical Commissioning Groups, run by general practitioners, are responsible for the local health care of veterans once they have left service, but there is limited data on NHS treatment of veterans.
	The Ministry of Defence statistics on serving personnel show that the number of those who have seen active service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and have suffered an injury that was classified as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2013 was 686. This includes all levels of TBI—mild, moderate and severe—and this also covers post concussion syndrome. As of 1 June 2013, 285 of those service personnel were no longer serving.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Philip Dunne: The number of invoices for over £10,000 remaining unpaid by the Ministry of Defence after more than 30 days is shown in the table. The delays in settling invoices are normally due to the incorrect presentation of bills.
	
		
			  Invoices paid after: 
			 Financial year 30 days 45 days 60 days 75 days 90 days 
			 2010-11 719 355 207 243 224 
			 2011-12 966 444 210 151 322 
			 2012-13 1,464 612 348 193 341 
		
	
	The Department is a signatory to the Prompt Payment Code and in each of the past three financial years has achieved 100% payment, or close to 100% payment, of correctly submitted invoices within 30 days. In 2012-13, 92% of correctly submitted invoices were paid within five days.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) current and (b) future armaments in the UK inventory will be able to be used in the Joint Strike Fighter's (i) internal weapons bays and (ii) external pylons.

Philip Dunne: The current weapons within the UK inventory that will be able to be used on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) are a combination of internal and external loads consisting of:
	Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM);
	Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM);
	Paveway IV.
	Future integration of weapons from the UK inventory is subject to negotiation and agreement with the F-35 programme.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the ability of the Joint Strike Fighter 35B to land vertically with a full armaments load.

Philip Dunne: The F-35B is currently within the development test phase of the overall programme, and as such the ability to land vertically with a full payload is under assessment. Ship-borne Rolling Vertical Landing is also being developed as an additional manoeuvre to maximise the number of unexpended weapons that the F-35B is able to recover to the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier.

Military Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first Rivet Joint aircraft will enter service.

Philip Dunne: The first Rivet Joint aircraft is planned to enter service in 2014.

Military Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate (a) the unit cost per Rivet Joint aircraft and (b) the cost of training the aircraft crew in Nebraska.

Philip Dunne: The unit cost of a Rivet Joint aircraft is approximately £180 million. The cost of training Rivet Joint air and ground crew is some £18 million over the financial years 2010-11 to 2013-14.

Military Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the pilots of the Rivet Joint aircraft will be qualified to refuel the aircraft via a flying boom while airborne.

Philip Dunne: Yes.

Nuclear Submarines

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2013, Official Report, column 719W on HMS Tireless, on how many occasions radioactive emissions were vented to the atmosphere from nuclear powered submarines at Devonport Dockyard in each of the last five years; what quantity of radioactivity and which radionuclides were emitted in such fashion in each of the last three years; what the permitted levels of discharge are under such circumstances; and which regulatory agency sets such limits.

Philip Dunne: I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Paul Flynn:
	I undertook to write to you in answer to your parliamentary question of 2 July 2013, Official Report, column 602W, about radioactive emissions that were vented to the atmosphere from nuclear powered submarines at Devonport Dockyard.
	Due to the nature of the maintenance work conducted within the dockyard, the reactor compartment of each submarine undergoing maintenance is considered to be an aerial discharge point (a location where venting into the atmosphere outside the submarine may take place) when relevant work is being conducted.
	The quantity of radioactivity discharged is monitored, but the discharge is treated as continuous and is not accounted for as individual discharges. These are accounted for in terms of “collective days”, each of which is a day where there is a discharge into the atmosphere from one submarine. Discharges from multiple submarines on one calendar day would therefore be recorded as multiple collective days.
	The total number of collective days in the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			  Collective days 
			 2008 1,201 
			 2009 1,523 
			 2010 1,119 
			 2011 1,497 
			 2012 1,245 
		
	
	There are no specific limits for discharges into the atmosphere from submarines, but annual limits for discharges into the atmosphere from the dockyard as a whole are set by the Environment Agency. These are shown in the following table, measured in Megabecquerels (MBq), the standard unit for measuring radioactivity:
	
		
			 Radionuclide Annual limit (MBq) 
			 Tritium 4,000 
			 Carbon-14 43,000 
			 Argon-41 15,000 
			 Other Beta/Gamma emitters 0.3 
		
	
	The total quantities of radioactivity discharged to the atmosphere from submarines in the dockyard in the last three years are as follows:
	
		
			  Total radioactivity discharged (MBq) 
			 2010 b.03 
			 2011 0.01 
			 2012 5.28 
		
	
	The figure for 2012 comprises 0.02 MBq of routine discharges and 5.26 MBq of discharges resulting from testing of a new reactor core, which is why the figure is higher than for previous years.
	I should like to add that the discharge from HMS Tireless is not included in the tables above, as this took place at Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport, not the dockyard. This was the only such discharge at the Naval Base in the last five years; the quantity of radioactivity released has been confirmed as being less than the 50 MBq limit set by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator.
	Consistent with my answer on the coolant leak of 14 May 2013, Official Report, column 153W, I am withholding details of the radiological inventory of discharges as their disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

RAF Lyneham

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what plans he has to demolish the chapel of rest of the former RAF Lyneham;
	(2)  what will happen to the fittings and accoutrements of the chapel of rest at former RAF Lyneham.

Mark Francois: The site upon which the Chapel of Rest at Lyneham sits has been designated for new single living accommodation in support of the new Ministry of Defence Technical Training College.
	The chapel itself was a temporary structure while a new facility was being built at RAF Brize Norton. As such it is unconsecrated and deliberately has no fittings or accoutrements other than a commemorative plaque. The plaque will be placed in the new garden of remembrance at the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Museum at Lyneham.

Reserve Forces

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recruits were attached to each of the (a) 35 Territorial Army centres and (b) three Naval Reserve centres identified for closure in each of the last five years; how many new recruits enlisted at each such centre in each such year; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Murrison: The requested information will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member.
	Substantive answer from Dr Murrison to Mrs Moon:
	I undertook to write to you in answer to your parliamentary question on 12 July 2013, Official Report, column 420W, about the numbers of recruits attached to closing Reserve centres.
	The roles and capabilities that our reservists will provide as part of the Future Force 2020 will be different from today and, as a consequence, the way in which we organise and train them will also have to change. This will impact on the force structure and the basing lay-down of our reserve forces.
	As announced on 3 July 2013, the Army has taken the opportunity to review its basing lay-down for reserve units to reflect this structural change, optimise recruitment, and facilitate effective integration and training between paired regular and reserve units. As a result, 35 Territorial Army Centres (TACs) will be vacated.
	Information on the number of Army reserve personnel recruits attached to, and new recruits enlisted at, each of these centres in each of the last five years is not held in the format requested. However, information on the approximate personnel strength for each of the centres is provided as follows:
	
		
			 Army reserve (TA) personnel in surplus locations at 1 April 2013 
			  Number 
			 Ardwick Green TAC 100 
			 Argyll Road TAC (1)— 
			 Armagh TAC 70 
			 Ashington TAC 30 
			 Belleview Bks (1)— 
			 Berwick-upon-Tweed TAC (1)— 
			 Bothwell House TAC 10 
			 Caernarfon TAC (1)— 
			 Carmunnock Rd TAC 60 
			 Clapham TAC (1)— 
			 Coltman House TAC 40 
			 Duncombe Bks 40 
			 Dunoon TAC (1)— 
			 Eden Armoury TAC 40 
			 Keighley TAC (1)— 
			 Keith TAC (1)— 
			 Kidderminster TAC 20 
			 Kirkcaldy TAC (1)— 
			 London Rd TAC (1)— 
			 McDonald Rd TAC 40 
			 Myrtle Street TAC (1)— 
			 New Broad Street TAC (1)— 
			 Newport TAC 10 
			 Northallerton TAC (1)— 
			 Redhill TAC 60 
			 Seabrooke House TAC (1)— 
			 St John's Hill TAC 60 
			 Stanney Lane TAC (1)— 
			 Stockton Road TAC 60 
			 Swaffham TAC (1)— 
			 Townsend Avenue TAC 80 
			 Ubique Bks 80 
			 Walsall TAC (1)— 
			 Washington TAC 20 
		
	
	
		
			 Wick TAC (1)— 
			 (1) Zero or rounded to zero. Notes: 1. The figures in the above table should be considered estimates. The accuracy of the underlying data is yet to be fully validated and is under investigation. 2. Figures are for trained and untrained TA personnel. They exclude full-time reserve service (FTRS) personnel. 3. Called-out reservists may be shown against an administrative base and not their actual stationed location. 4. Data are sourced from the Joint Personnel Administration and have been rounded to the nearest 10. 
		
	
	On the subject of the three Naval Reserve establishments, I can confirm that they are not closing, but relocating to other nearby sites. Individuals currently attending these establishments will be transferring to the new locations and will not be lost to the strength.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Reserve Forces: Cardiff

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 12 July 2013, Official Report, column 420W, on reserve forces: Cardiff, whether the HMS Cambria facility will remain at its current location bordering Sully and Barry.

Andrew Robathan: HMS Cambria is currently planned to remain in its present location until 2016 when it will move to a new site in Cardiff. A naval presence will however remain in Barry for the foreseeable future, although it is too early to define what this will be.

Reserve Forces: Wales

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the name is of each reserve force base of each service in Wales; how many reservists attend each such base regularly; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: Detailed in the following tables are the names of each reserve force base in Wales, the total number of reservists at each base or group of bases and the number of reservists which attend each base or group of bases regularly. Regular attendance figures have been determined by the number of reserve personnel who were eligible to receive their bounty within the 12 months previous to 1 April 2013.
	
		
			 Base Location Total at base In regular attendance 
			 Maritime Reserve    
			 HMS Cambria Barry 90 60 
			     
			 Army Volunteer Reserve    
			 Abertillery TAC Abertillery 70 30 
			 Brecon Powys 30 20 
			 Bridgend TAC Bridgend 10 10 
			 Carmarthen TAC Carmarthen 90 40 
			 Dalton TAC (2)—   
			 Colwyn Bay TAC Colwyn Bay 70 20 
			 Caernarfon TAC — — — 
			 Cwmbran TAC Cwmbran 130 60 
			 Cwrt-Y-Gollen Territorial Army Centre (TAC) Crickhowell (1)— (1)— 
			 Glamorgan St TAC Swansea 80 50 
			 Hightown TAC Wrexham   
		
	
	
		
			 Queensferry TAC (2)— 110 40 
			 Llandaf North TAC Cardiff   
			 Cwrt-Y-Gollen TAC (2)—   
			 Argyll Road TAC (2)— 150 100 
			 Maindy Barracks Cardiff 510 250 
			 Morfa TAC Swansea 60 20 
			 Morgan St TAC Cardiff 60 40 
			 Pontypridd TAC Pontypridd 30 20 
			 Prestatyn TAC Prestatyn 40 30 
			 Raglan Barracks TAC Newport 200 130 
			 The Castle Monmouth 40 20 
			 The Grange TAC Swansea 60 40 
			 (1) Rounded to zero (2) Indicates brace Notes: 1. The figures in the above table have been rounded to the nearest 10 and should be considered estimates. The accuracy of the underlying data is yet to be fully validated and is being reviewed. 2. Army Volunteer Reserve figures are for trained and untrained Territorial Army (TA) including Groups A, B, C and therefore includes Mobilised TA, Officer Training Corps (OTC) and Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS). They exclude Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS), Regulars and Gurkhas. 3. Maritime Reserve figures comprise the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Marine Reserve and are for trained and untrained personnel and include Mobilised Reserve, High Readiness Reserves (HRR), Additional Duties Commitment (ADC) and FTRS. 4. Called-out reservists may be shown against an administrative base and not their actual stationed location.

Security

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many security passes issued on Ministry of Defence sites have been given to those directly employed by his Department.

Mark Francois: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Security

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many security passes issued for access to sites owned by the Ministry of Defence have been given to those not directly employed by his Department since May 2010.

Mark Francois: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Shipbuilding

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, column 505W, on shipbuilding, whether information regarding the future size and skills mix of the workforce would be information required by the proposed Single Source Regulations Office as part of the annual reporting process by companies. [R]

Philip Dunne: As part of the new single source procurement framework, suppliers will be required to provide a number of reports to the Ministry of Defence and the Single Source Regulations Office. This will include information on manpower, split by equipment project, at key industrial facilities used on qualifying single source contracts; and direct and indirect manpower at each business unit where single source procurement is a significant element of that unit's business activity.

Shipping

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of the decision to sell two of the roll-on-roll-off vessels procured under the Strategic Sealift Service private finance initiative in 2002;
	(2)  on what date the decision was made to sell two of the roll-on-roll-off vessels procured under the Strategic Sealift Service private finance initiative in 2002; and what recent discussions of this decision he has had with representatives of Foreland Shipping;
	(3)  what the total procurement cost is for the two charter vessels procured under the Strategic Sealift Service private finance initiative in 2002 which his Department proposes to sell;
	(4)  what estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of the sale of the two charter vessels procured under the Strategic Sealift Service private finance initiative in 2002; and for what period funds for maintenance of these vessels have been budgeted.

Philip Dunne: The movement of cargo by sea is primarily provided through the private finance initiative (PFI) strategic sealift service. The review of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) strategic sealift requirement, in autumn 2011, concluded that better value for money would be achieved if the number of vessels contracted as part of this PFI was reduced from six to four. This reduction became effective on 27 April 2012 following detailed discussions between MOD officials and representatives of Foreland Shipping.
	All six vessels are owned by Foreland Shipping under the PFI agreement. They were not purchased or maintained by the MOD.
	Any remuneration between the MOD and Foreland Shipping as a result of the change made to the PFI agreement has yet to be determined. This is dependent, in part, on the sale of the two redundant vessels. The MOD will receive a percentage of the sale receipts from Foreland Shipping.
	Overall the MOD is expected to accrue significant savings over the remaining period of the PFI agreement as a result of the decision to reduce the number of contracted vessels.

Type 26 Frigates

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his plans are for the Type 26 Frigates in Clyde shipyards over the next five years.

Philip Dunne: The Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme is currently in its Assessment Phase. As is the standard practice with equipment projects, the build programme will not be set until the main investment decision has been taken, expected around the middle of this decade.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month.

Mark Francois: 80.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Mark Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Leader of the House of Commons, the right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), on 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 649W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson).

DEFENCE

Afghanistan

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Afghan interpreters have applied for asylum in the UK under the current intimidation policy.

Andrew Robathan: The right to claim asylum is unrelated to our Intimidation Policy. Intimidation claims are considered on a case by case basis. In the most extreme cases there is the possibility of resettlement in the UK.
	Any asylum claim made in the UK will be considered on its individual merits and protection offered to those who are at genuine risk of serious harm in their country of origin. The Government does not record previous occupations when processing asylum claims and as a result, we do not hold statistics on how many Afghan interpreters have applied for asylum while in the UK.

Afghanistan

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many Afghan interpreters who have worked with the Army in the last 10 years would be eligible for asylum in the UK should his Department's policy change to include those who have worked for the Army for 30 months prior to December 2012;
	(2)  how many Afghan interpreters who have worked with the Army since December 2012 will qualify for asylum in the UK;
	(3)  how many Afghan interpreters who worked with the Army between November 2001 and December 2012 will not qualify for asylum in the UK.

Andrew Robathan: Under the refugee convention, asylum cannot be applied for while individuals remain in their country of origin. Any asylum claim made in the UK will be considered on its individual merits and protection will be offered to those who are found to be at genuine risk of serious harm in their country of origin. It is therefore not possible to accurately estimate how many Afghans who have previously worked for the UK armed forces might apply for asylum in the UK in the future, and subsequently be found in need of protection.
	The scheme announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 4 June 2013, Official Report, column 88WS is not about asylum. It is a generous redundancy scheme for local staff employed in Afghanistan. Qualification for this scheme is limited to those staff who were in post, working directly for Her Majesty's Government, on 19 December 2012 (when the Prime Minister announced the drawdown of UK forces), and who have served more than 12 months when they are made redundant. Of these, we estimate around 600 individuals in the most dangerous and challenging jobs, including in posts alongside the Army, will be eligible for resettlement to the UK. However, information on local staff is not held in a format that would allow reliable estimates of the numbers who might be eligible if the criteria included alternative or additional criteria of a qualifying period of 30 months service, or service that ended before 19 December 2012: The scheme has been put in place to support these individuals who lose their employment as a result of UK drawdown in Afghanistan and the Government recognises that this does not include staff who left employment before this date.
	Separately, our existing intimidation policy will remain in place for all local staff regardless of the nature, date and duration of their employment. This is designed to assist any who find that their immediate safety or that of their family is under real threat as a result of their service. Intimidation is considered on an individual basis and in the most extreme cases there is the possibility of resettlement in the UK.
	Neither the redundancy scheme nor the intimidation policy affect an individual's right to claim asylum.

Afghanistan

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used in the current intimidation policy for Afghan interpreters working with the Army to enable them to relocate within Afghanistan.

Andrew Robathan: Our Intimidation Policy covers all locally employed staff, including interpreters, regardless of the nature, date and duration of their employment. The policy is designed to assist those locally employed staff whose safety or that of their family is under real threat as a direct result of their service. Intimidation is considered on an individual basis. In the most serious, and extreme cases, there is the possibility of resettlement within Afghanistan or to the UK.
	Claims of intimidation are investigated by a locally employed staff welfare team which works with embassy security staff and other agencies, as appropriate, to establish how best to protect staff. In exceptional cases, where the relevant welfare team judges there to be a significant and imminent threat to the safety of the LE staff member and/or their family that can not be resolved through any other means, the welfare team will relocate the individual and their family within Afghanistan. If they want to relocate outside Afghanistan they are free to do so, but any financial support from HMG will be based on the cost of relocation within Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel from 51 Squadron will be deployed to Afghanistan to support US operations using the Rivet Joint aircraft.

Andrew Robathan: No personnel from 51 Squadron will be deployed to Afghanistan to support US operations using the Rivet Joint aircraft. However, 51 Squadron personnel routinely deploy and fly missions on US Rivet Joint aircraft in support of Operation HERRICK as part of an ongoing co-operative engagement programme with the US.

Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when each Minister in his Department has met the Chairman of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme since May 2010; and what issues were discussed at each such meeting;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme in informing hon. and right hon. Members of both Houses of the work of Armed Forces.

Andrew Murrison: The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) has offered parliamentarians a useful insight into the work and lives of our armed forces for more than 25 years, and the governance framework recently agreed with AFPS stakeholders (Mr Speaker, the Lord Speaker, the. Secretary of State for Defence and the Commercial Sponsors) provides the basis to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability.
	The former Minister of State for the Armed Forces, my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Sir Nick Harvey), and I have facilitated the review of the governance, transparency and accountability of the scheme and have addressed the delivery of the improvements identified. This included meetings or telephone calls with the AFPS Chairman on the following occasions:
	Minister of State for the Armed Forces
	30 November 2010
	10 May 2012
	Minister for International Security Strategy
	23 October 2012
	25 October 2012
	1 February 2013
	6 February 2013
	7 February 2013
	25 March 2013
	14 May 2013
	6 June 2013
	5 July 2013
	11 July 2013
	My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) and my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth), dined with the AFPS Chairman on 15 June 2010 and 28 September 2011, respectively.
	In addition, Ministry of Defence Ministers have regularly attended events intended to promote the AFPS and mark its success, including graduation dinners, annual reunion receptions, and briefings for new recruits.

Armed Forces: Carbon Emissions

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the armed forces are being required to undertake any measures to reduce carbon emissions.

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence (including the armed forces) is working towards reducing its carbon emissions. We are on track to meet the Greening Government Target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by March 2015.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) rank and (b) job title is of the posts held by UK officers on exchange with the US at Combined Air Operations Centre. [R]

Andrew Robathan: There are 10 UK officers on exchange with the United States in the Combined Air Operations Centre in Al Udeid. These consist of a range of grades from junior officers up to a single Air Commodore position. These roles support the command and control of coalition air operations, principally over Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.
	I am withholding the actual number of personnel at each rank as releasing the small numbers involved may divulge personal information.

Armed Forces: Lone Parents

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many single parents in each branch of the armed forces have been promoted in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many members of the armed forces are single parents.

Mark Francois: The armed forces aim to support service personnel in meeting their parental responsibilities, whether they are single or not. However, the information is not held in the format requested.

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, column 266W, on armed forces: sexual offences, what sanctions against a perpetrator are available to a commanding officer following the conclusion of an investigation of an offence under sections 3, 66, 67 and 71 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Francois: None. Once a charge is laid under any section of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 a Commanding Officer has no authority to deal with it summarily, the defendant would face a court martial.

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, column 266W, on armed forces: sexual offences, what guidance is given to a commanding officer on the conduct of investigations of an offence under sections 3, 66, 67 and 71 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Francois: Commanding Officers have access to several avenues of counsel when conducting investigations into any offence under the law, civil or military, including those offences under sections 3, 66, 67 and 71 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. In the first instance guidance is provided in Annex F to Volume 1, Chapter 6 of Joint Service Publication (JSP) 830, The Manual of Service Law, when read in conjunction with Chapter 11. A copy of the JSP is available in the Library of the House and may also be found at the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-services-publication-jsp-830-manual-of-service-law-msl

BAE Systems

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will estimate the (a) number of payments and (b) cost to the public purse of key industrial capability notices issued to BAE systems under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement;
	(2)  on how many occasions BAE systems has written to his Department to notify it of a (a) key industrial capability trigger event and (b) key industrial capability notice under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement since June 2012.

Philip Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), gave on 24 May 2012, Official Report, column 828W.

Defence: Procurement

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the invitation to negotiate for his proposed Government Owned Contractor Operated model. [R]

Philip Dunne: The invitation to negotiate for the Materiel Strategy programme will be published in due course, at a time when it will not prejudice the commercial process.

Gibraltar

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the number of UK service personnel based in Gibraltar who have accounts with Barclays Bank.

Mark Francois: There are 60 UK service personnel based in Gibraltar who have bank accounts with Barclays Bank, but not with a branch of Barclays Gibraltar. However, there are some 24 members of the Gibraltar Regiment who are account holders with Barclays Gibraltar.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the main gate decision will be taken for the Crowsnest project; and what recent estimate he has made of its total cost.

Philip Dunne: The main investment decision for Crowsnest is scheduled for late 2017, though we are investigating whether we can accelerate the project. As this decision has not yet been taken it would be inappropriate to provide a firm estimate of total cost.

Military Intelligence

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Project Crossbow operates from UK bases in the US. [R]

Andrew Robathan: No.

Military Intelligence

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights over the UK have been conducted under the Open Skies treaty, by nation conducting each flight, since 2002.

Andrew Robathan: Since 2002 a total of 40 missions have taken place over the UK. There were 24 quota missions conducted by: Russia—20; Ukraine—three; and Sweden—one. There were 16 training flights conducted by: Benelux (joint with Estonia); Estonia (joint with Benelux); Georgia—three (one joint with Sweden); Sweden—three (one joint with Georgia); USA—three; Latvia; Lithuania; Romania; Slovenia; and Yugoslavia.

NATO

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Royal Navy continues to offer a frigate or destroyer to NATO Immediate Reaction Force activation.

Andrew Robathan: The Royal Navy maintains a strong relationship with NATO, including through the NATO Maritime Headquarters, based in the United Kingdom, which is permanently commanded by a Royal Navy Vice-Admiral.
	The Royal Navy continues to offer a frigate or destroyer to the NATO Immediate Reaction Force.

NATO

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which NATO member states have sent maritime patrol aircraft to (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Leuchars since December 2012; which aircraft were sent; and what the purpose was of their visit.

Andrew Robathan: The United States, Canada, France and Norway have sent maritime patrol aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars since December 2012 as part of joint exercises. The aircraft sent include P-3C Orion, CP-140 Aurora, and Atlantique 2.

NATO

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests the UK has made to other NATO member states to provide maritime patrol aircraft to patrol UK waters in order to detect submarines since March 2010.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence cannot disclose the total number of requests for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) as the release of this information would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
	However, NATO and other allies MPA have participated in nine separate training exercises since March 2010. These include the Joint Warrior series of maritime focussed exercises that are held twice yearly and two other UK led anti-submarine warfare exercises held in November 2010 and June 2013 respectively.

Patrol Craft

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consideration he has given to the building of two new offshore patrol vessels.

Philip Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 February 2013, Official Report, column 833W, to my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis).

Reserve Forces: Cardiff

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what budget is allocated for the (a) Royal Naval Reserve HMS Cambria and (b) proposed additional reserve unit in Cardiff; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many sites are being considered for the proposed additional reserve unit in Cardiff; whether the site will be (a) rented and (b) purchased; and what budget has been allocated for a site to be (i) rented and (ii) purchased.

Andrew Robathan: The Navy Command Maritime Reserves team is scoping potential options for a new Royal Naval Reserve site in Cardiff. The details of the site occupancy arrangements will not be known until an option is chosen.
	I am withholding information on the budgets involved in this scoping study, as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.

Reserve Forces: Pay

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cap he will set on the level of reservist award in non-specialist roles.

Mark Francois: The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body makes recommendations about pay and allowances. It will continue to do so, taking account, as now, of the overall reservists' remuneration package. The recent White Paper on Reserves (Reserves in the Future Force 2020: Valuable and Valued Cm 8655) outlined the intent for the cap to be reviewed, this work is ongoing.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evaluation his Department has made of the level of sound emitted by unmanned aerial vehicles and the effect such sounds have on communities living in areas where they are used. [R]

Philip Dunne: The noise emitted by unmanned aerial vehicles has been evaluated where necessary to ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation. No other assessments have been made.
	It is Ministry of Defence policy to mitigate, as far as is reasonably practicable, the effects of environmental noise that its activities produce. Unmanned aerial vehicles are intrinsically less noisy than most types of military aircraft.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2013, Official Report, column 327W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, if he will place a copy of the Reaper Agreement in the Library. [R]

Andrew Robathan: The Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US is currently being reviewed. Once this has been completed I will consider placing a copy in the Library of the House.

Veterans: Suicide

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of the number of armed forces veterans who have committed suicide in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information on the number of suicide and open verdict deaths amongst all veterans, but data has been compiled and analysed for veterans of two campaigns, the Falklands Campaign and the 1991 Gulf Conflict.
	In the last five years (2008 to 2012), there were 10 suicide and open verdict deaths among Falklands veterans. There would have been an estimated 19 suicide and open verdict deaths among Falklands veterans if they had experienced the age and gender specific mortality rates of the UK general population.
	In the same period, there were 32 suicide and open verdict deaths among 1991 Gulf Conflict veterans and 30 in the Era comparison cohort (a similar sized group of veterans that did not deploy to the Gulf). There would have been an estimated 49 suicide and open verdict deaths among the Gulf Conflict veterans, and 48 in the Era cohort, if they had experienced the age and gender specific mortality rates of the UK general population.
	The MOD is currently undertaking a study on veterans of Operations Telic in Iraq and Herrick in Afghanistan. This will monitor the causes of death (including suicide) of all serving members of the armed forces from 2003 (the start of operations in Iraq) until the end of operations in Afghanistan. The intention is to run the study for the lifetime of the cohort; the population will therefore include both serving and discharged personnel.
	Defence Statistics expect to publish the initial results of the study towards the end of 2014, dependent on the time required to process and analyse the data.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing: Rural Areas

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance his Department issues on the valuation of rural exception site land in the Green Belt.

Nicholas Boles: We have issued no guidance on valuing rural exception sites. However, our policies on planning for housing, Green Belt, and the function of rural exception sites are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Apprentices

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many apprentices are currently employed by his Department; and how many such apprentices are aged (a) under 19, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 to 30, (d) 31 to 59 and (e) 60 years and over.

Brandon Lewis: There are currently 10 apprentices employed by the Department. two apprentices are aged under 19 and eight apprentices are aged 19 to 25.

Building Regulations: Electrical Safety

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the potential effects of third party certification under the revision of Part P of the Building Regulations on the ability of non-registered electricians to perform work.

Don Foster: Third-party certification will allow DIYers and non-registered electricians to employ a qualified third-party electrical inspector (rather than a building control body) to certify that electrical installation work complies with the Building Regulations. We estimate that the effect will be to reduce the average cost of certification from around £250 to £150. The Part P impact assessment is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-regulations-part-p-electrical-safety-in-dwellings

Building Regulations: Electrical Safety

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will consider restricting the use of the third-party certification option under the revision of Part P of the Building Regulations to those carrying out work not-for-trade for the purposes of preventing electricians from being encouraged to leave Part P competent persons schemes.

Don Foster: The Government has no plans to restrict the use of third-party certification to only those carrying out work not-for-trade. We do not believe that third-party certification will reduce the incentive for electricians to register with competent person self-certification schemes, since the ability to self-certify will, on a project by project basis, be less costly than employing a third party.

Council Tax: Arrears

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) Barnsley, (c) South Yorkshire and (d) England are in council tax arrears.

Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not held centrally.

Fires: Warehouses

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 59W, on fires: warehouses, at which warehouse each such fire took place.

Brandon Lewis: I am arranging for this information to be placed in the Library of the House.

Floods: Finance

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2013, Official Report, columns 335-6W, on floods: finance, how much funding will have been paid out to each local authority between 1 January and 31 July 2013 under the Bellwin scheme as a result of flooding.

Brandon Lewis: Bellwin provides emergency financial assistance to local authorities to help them meet uninsurable costs they incur when responding to a major emergency in their area. The level of funding over time is causally linked to the scale of flooding. It operates by local authorities retrospectively claiming spending back,
	The following table sets out the Bellwin payments relating to flooding that have been made to each local authority between 1 January and 31 July 2013.
	
		
			 Local Authority Bellwin Grant (£) 
			 Devon County Council 3,023,598 
			 Herefordshire Council 2,048,963 
			 Teignbridge District Council 38,234 
			 Uttlesford District Council 16,643 
			 Newark and Sherwood District Council 3,407 
			 Richmondshire District Council 915 
			 Total 5,131,760 
		
	
	Payments may not necessarily be in the same financial or calendar year as the incidents occurred.

Gambling

David Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many times the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for his Department has had meetings with Derek Webb of the Fairer Gambling Trust.

Brandon Lewis: Details of Ministers' meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments%5B%5D=department-for-communities-and-local-government&publication_type=transparency-data

Islamophobia Working Group

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress the Islamophobia Working Group has made; and if he will make a statement.

Don Foster: The Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group is playing an important role in advising Government on what more could be done by us and others to prevent and tackle anti-Muslim hatred. It has decided to focus initially on promoting more accurate and balanced reporting in the British media; exploring how hate on the internet can be tackled; supporting Tell MAMA's community outreach work; strengthening the commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica; highlighting the role that Muslim soldiers played in World War One and improving our understanding of anti-Muslim hatred.

Local Government Services

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what legal responsibility he has if a local authority declares itself unable to meet its statutory obligations;
	(2)  what powers he has to act if a local authority declares that it is unable to fulfil its statutory functions.

Brandon Lewis: Where a local authority fails to meet its legal obligations or fulfil its statutory duties, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government may use his powers of intervention which can be exercised in different ways depending on the circumstances.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people of each income group have used Help to Buy to date. [R]

Mark Prisk: Our aim is to help people achieve their aspiration to live in a home that gives them security to plan for their future. The Help to Buy equity loan scheme will help up to 74,000 households into home ownership with investment of over £3.5 billion. My Department will be publishing take up of the scheme, in accordance with the UK Statistical Authority's Code of Practice for Official Statistics. The scheme is, however, proving to be extremely popular, with house builders reporting nearly 7,000 reservations in the first three months.

Planning Permission

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what time limits are set for decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate.

Nicholas Boles: The Planning Inspectorate determines planning and enforcement appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and national infrastructure applications under the Planning Act 2008. It also holds examinations into local plans and determines a number of other appeals, including various environmental appeals, under other legislation.
	Planning and enforcement appeals represent the bulk of its casework. The Planning Guarantee requires Section 78 appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act to be determined within 26 weeks. Householder Appeals Service are measured against an 80% target within eight weeks, with Bespoke appeals (inquiries for more complex appeals) being 100% with a timetable agreed with the parties.
	Enforcement Appeals are exempt from the Planning Guarantee but have the following targets:
	Written Representations Appeals—80% within 32 weeks
	Hearings—80% within 33 weeks
	Local Inquiries—80% within 43 weeks
	100% of plan examinations are to be issued within a bespoke timetable agreed with the local planning authority.
	Decisions on major infrastructure applications are to be made within a strict timetable set out under the 2008 Act. Acceptance of applications .takes 28 days, examination six months and recommendation (to the relevant Secretary of State) three months. The Secretary of State has a further three months in which to issue a decision.
	The Planning Inspectorate's most recent annual report shows continued effective performance against its performance measures. For example, all appeals and called in planning applications subject to a bespoke timetable, were issued in accordance with that timetable. 93% of planning appeals decided by Inspectors met the Planning Guarantee, and 80% of Householder appeals met their eight week target. Performance on enforcement appeals also exceeded their 80% performance measure for all procedures. The Planning Inspectorate will be working to further increase their performance on the Planning Guarantee.

Planning Permission: Fees and Charges

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  when the Government will announce the findings of its further work to understand the implications of decentralisation of planning fees;
	(2)  what progress his Department has made on its commitment to consider whether the scope of fee chargeable applications should be widened to potentially include allowing local authorities to charge for services on a cost recovery basis which do not currently require a fee as set out in the Proposals for changes to planning application fees in England—Summary of responses;
	(3)  what progress his Department has made in respect of its work with the Local Government Association to further understand the implications of the decentralisation of planning fees across all authorities as set out in his Department's document on Proposals for changes to planning application fees in England—Summary of responses.

Nicholas Boles: We recognise the work which the Local Government Association has undertaken through the Planning Benchmark on locally set planning application fees. This has been very valuable but the benchmark also identified a number of anomalies in the costing of the development management service, which in turn, could have unintended consequences for applicants. We continue to work with the Planning Advisory Service to understand better the costs of local planning services, but I would not want to give a misleading impression of any further, specific policy commitment at this point in time.

Radicalism

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking following the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich on tackling far right extremism and groups such as the English Defence League.

Don Foster: Our approach to integration is set out in 'Creating the Conditions for Integration', with five themes guiding our work; the need to speak out against all forms of intolerance and' extremism; the need to emphasise the common ground between people and communities; their responsibility towards each other; encouraging people to feel empowered and to participate in their communities; and increasing social mobility and opportunities for everyone to get on in society.
	Local councils and police forces know their communities best and we trust them to put in place suitable local measures to counter the influence and minimise the impact of English Defence League activity. We provide advice and support where it is requested but the principle way we help local partners is to support them to share their experience and build networks. In July 2012 we provided £200,000 of funding to Luton borough council and Blackburn with Darwen borough council for them to jointly establish and lead a national Special Interest Group to help local areas share their experiences of what works well in tackling the English Defence League locally. Membership of the Special Interest Group is open to all local authorities in England.
	In February 2012 we provided £200,000 for Show Racism the Red Card to give 9,400 young people in England the skills they need to reject groups like the English Defence League. As of September 2013, 6,000 young people will have been reached by the project by way of school workshops across England. In 2012 we also provided Searchlight Educational Trust with £66,000 to support their campaign to give communities in areas experiencing high levels of activity the tools they need to outflank the League's divisive messages and .create positive, shared local identities.
	In response to the murder of Lee Rigby, the Prime Minister set up a new cross-Government task force on tackling extremism and radicalisation. The taskforce is considering how to tackle all forms of extremism. As the Prime Minister explained when he visited the Jamia Mosque in Manchester recently, this includes exploring what more Government should do to support communities to tackle anti-Muslim hatred and extremists like the English Defence League.

Rents

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost of renting a three-bedroom family property in each (a) region of the UK and (b) London borough in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: The published estimates of private rents by type of property and area are published by the Valuation Office Agency, and are available online, respectively for 2011-12 and 2012-13, at:
	www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/120531_PrivateResidentialRentalMarketStatistics.html
	and
	www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/130530_PrivateRentalMarket.html
	The Valuation Office Agency figures show that the median, private sector, monthly rent of a three bedroom property in England was £650 in 2011-12 and also £650 in 2012-13.
	More broadly, I would observe that the Office for National Statistics Index of Private Housing Rental Statistics (26 June 2013) show that private sector rents rose by just 1.3% in England in the 12 months to May 2013, a fall in real terms, given consumer prices index inflation was 2.7% in the same period.

Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make an assessment of the effects on levels of rent arrears reported by registered social landlords in (a) Barnsley central constituency, (b) Barnsley and (c) each region of England in (i) April 2012, (ii) May 2012, (iii) June 2012, (iv) April 2013, (v) May 2013 and (vi) June 2013 of the changes made in housing benefit rules which took effect on 1 April 2013.

Mark Prisk: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 33W.

Travellers: Caravan Sites

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many decisions relating to potential Traveller and show people sites have been determined by the Planning Inspectorate in 2013 to date.

Brandon Lewis: Between 1 January 2013 and 12 August, the Planning Inspectorate has determined 89 decisions relating to traveller sites (including travelling show people).

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Brandon Lewis: 16 answers in June 2013 included tables of figures in the substantive answer.
	As I explained to the hon. Member in my answer to him of 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 708W, tables of unpublished statistics that are short in length will generally be included in the answer but, longer and more complex tables and datasets are deposited in the Library of the House on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION

Academies

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many academies have been co-sponsored by local authorities to date; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: 14 local authorities have co-sponsored 20 academies. The role of co-sponsor varies in each academy but all co-sponsors work closely with the lead sponsor. The role of a co-sponsor could include promotion of the academy within the local community. Co-sponsors may be appointed by the lead sponsor as a member or governor of the academy trust.

Academies

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what freedoms are available to academies that are not automatically available to local authority schools; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: Academies are independent of local authorities and have a range of freedoms and flexibilities that give headteachers and teachers more power to teach, spend money and run their schools in the way that best meets the needs of their pupils, parents and the local community.
	Academy freedoms include the following areas:
	(a) Deployment of budgets.
	(b) Delivery of the curriculum (academies are required to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, including English, mathematics, science and religious education).
	(c) Pay, conditions and employment of staff.
	(d) Setting the length of school days and terms.
	(e) Governance.
	(f) Procuring services.
	(g) Setting up early years provision.
	(h) Management of assets.
	Some freedoms will vary from academy to academy and are dependent on when their funding agreement was signed.

Academies

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the cost has been of each new academy built since 2010; and what the estimated costs are of each academy so far approved but not completed.

Edward Timpson: Academy new build(1) projects are procured and delivered by local authorities and academy trusts with funding support from the Department. The Department does not record any additional contributions from local authorities or academy sponsors towards these schemes. As such, the Department does not hold complete information on each academy's total cost.
	Since 2010, the Department has approved 105 new build academy projects. Of these, 80 were continuing new build projects under the existing Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Framework Academies programmes. The average funding allocation for these projects was £23 million.
	The remaining 25 new build projects were approved through the 71 Academies programme. These projects were subject to detailed scrutiny as part of the review following the July 2010 announcement on BSF. This resulted in substantial savings. The average funding allocation for these projects was £14 million. This is a saving of approximately 40% compared to the continuing BSF and Framework projects.
	(1) New build is defined as replacing 70% or more of the existing school estate with new buildings. These numbers do not include refurbishment projects. This information is supplied by third parties and cannot be guaranteed as correct.

Academies

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the (a) GCSE results and (b) truancy rates were for each academy in each year since 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: Results for all academies are published in the “School and College Performance Tables” each year.
	The closest measure we have to assess truancy rates is the unauthorised absence rate. This includes family holidays taken during term time but not agreed by the head teacher, late arrival at school, and any other absence that is not authorised.
	At secondary level, rates of unauthorised absence are lower in academies than in all state-funded schools—in 2011/12, there was a rate of unauthorised absence of 1.2% in secondary academies, compared to 1.3% in all state-funded secondary schools.
	Information on unauthorised absence for those academies with GCSE results for 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 has been placed in the House Library.

Chethams School of Music

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he has received the action plan from Chethams School of Music expected in May 2013; and whether he is confident that the necessary safeguarding and child protection measures are in place to protect pupils at the school.

Edward Timpson: The school's action plan was received on 7 May and after evaluation by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, it was approved by the Department with modifications. The school is now working to complete the actions set out in the plan. A progress monitoring inspection will be carried out early in the autumn term and on the basis of that, and any other evidence available, the Secretary of State will decide whether regulatory standards have been met.

Children in Care

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children have been (a) in care and (b) taken into care in each year since 2010; if he will place in the Library a breakdown of the reasons why children went into care; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: The information requested has been provided in the table.
	A child taken into care is defined as one who starts to be looked-after, or one who is looked-after, under a legal status of care order; police protection order, emergency protection order or child assessment order. Children in care or taken into care are a subset of those looked-after or who start to be looked-after at any point during the year ending 31 March.
	
		
			 Children who were taken into care during the years ending 31 March by category of need(1, 2, 3) 
			 Years ending: 31 March 2010 to 2012 
			 Coverage: England 
			 Number 
			  2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 All children looked-after at 31 March 60,910 64,460 65,520 67,050 
			      
			 Children “in care” at 31 March(4) 36,370 38,270 39,150 40,150 
			      
			 All children who started to be looked-after in the year ending 31 March(5) 25,690 28,100 27,500 28,220 
			      
			 Category of need of those starting to be looked-after in the year ending 31 March(5, 6)     
			 Abuse or neglect 12,690 14,670 14,880 15,670 
			 Child's disability 700 730 750 840 
			 Parents illness or disability 1,180 1,240 1,100 1,070 
			 Family in acute stress 2,770 3,150 2,900 2,850 
			 Family dysfunction 3,660 4,660 4,860 5,010 
			 Socially unacceptable behaviour 1,080 1,040 940 830 
			 Low income 70 110 110 80 
			 Absent parenting 3,540 2,490 1,960 1,880 
			      
			 Children who were taken into care in the year ending 31 March(4, 5) 8,180 9,580 9,560 10,100 
			      
			 Category of need of those taken into care in the year ending 31 March(4, 5, 6) 8,180 9,580 9,560 10,100 
			 Abuse or neglect 6,040 6,890 6,850 7,270 
			 Child's disability 60 70 90 70 
			 Parents illness or disability 300 340 350 380 
			 Family in acute stress 560 710 630 650 
			 Family dysfunction 970 1,300 1,360 1,460 
			 Socially unacceptable behaviour 90 110 110 80 
			 Low income 20 20 20 10 
			 Absent parenting 130 150 160 170 
			 (1) Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. (2 )Figures exclude children looked-after under an agreed series of short-term placements. (3) Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. (4) Children who were taken into care and those "in care" are children who started to be, or were at 31 March, looked-after under a care order, police protection, emergency protection order or child assessment order. Children taken into care are a subset of those who started to be looked-after. (5) Only the first occasion on which a child started to be looked-after, or was taken into care, in the year has been counted. (6) The most applicable category of the eight “Need Codes” at the time the child started to be looked-after rather than necessarily the entire reason they are looked-after. Source: SSDA 903.

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the availability of places for the 130,000 disadvantaged two-year-olds eligible for the free 15 hours childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds scheme.

Elizabeth Truss: From 1 September 2013 local authorities will be under a statutory duty to secure a place for any eligible two-year-old should their parents wish them, to take up a place. The early years market is already responding positively to the increase in demand for early learning for two-year-olds. In April 2013 reports from local authorities suggested that more than 50,000 two-year-olds were already accessing a place. The Government will continue to monitor take-up closely.

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  whether the Government has any plans to regulate nannies and other home child carers working outside the childcare regulatory system;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the role of grandparents and other extended family members in providing informal childcare.

Elizabeth Truss: On 16 July 2013 we launched a public consultation on the regulation of childcare. This has been placed in the House Library. We propose to streamline registration processes while maintaining and strengthening safeguarding and welfare requirements for registered providers. The types of provision the questions refer to are not currently required to register with Ofsted. We are not proposing to change those arrangements which provide essential flexibility for busy, working parents. The consultation will close on 30 September:
	https://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action =consultationDetails&consultationId=1921&external =no&menu=1

Children: Mental Health Services

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve access to mental health services for children; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: The Government is helping children and young people access good mental health services through the Improving Access for Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, which is the responsibility of NHS England. The Department of Health have funded Children and Young People's IAPT with £54 million, and underlined that commitment by emphasising the importance of children and young people's mental health through the NHS Mandate. This will encourage local clinical commissioning groups to invest in children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS),
	It is best practice for CAMHS to offer a triage service so they can more quickly identify children and young people who need specialist provision very quickly, or where needs are less urgent, signpost them to a more appropriate source of support. Many schools and colleges offer pastoral support, including access to counselling sessions to support their students' mental health and well-being.
	Increased targeted access to CAMHS, as well as other support services, will be reinforced by reforming the current behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) category of special educational need. The new category description will promote awareness of mental health issues and enable more targeted support.

Classroom Assistants

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the role of teaching assistants.

David Laws: The Department's recent publication, ‘Review of Efficiency in the School System’(1) outlines a range of reforms to support and encourage effective work force deployment. The review shows that differences in the impact of teaching assistants on school attainment can be explained by factors associated with their deployment. We have, therefore, begun gathering information about models of effective practice, which we intend to share with schools.
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-efficiency-in-the-schools-system

Classroom Assistants

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what change there has been in the number of teaching assistants in England since 2010; what assessment he has made of the effects of that change on levels of pupil attainment; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The number of teaching assistants in publicly funded schools has increased by 18,400, from 213,900 in 2010 to 232,300 in 2012.
	It is for headteachers and school governors to decide whether to employ teaching assistants and in what capacity and this includes determining their role and responsibilities and how they should be deployed. In making such decisions we expect headteachers to consider evidence about the impact teaching assistants have on pupils' attainment, which indicates that this is mainly dependent on the way in which they are deployed.

Classroom Assistants

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teaching assistants are employed in each (a) Government region and (b) local education authority.

David Laws: The information requested is provided in the following table:
	
		
			 Number of full-time equivalent teaching assistants by local authority and region—England, November 2012 
			  Total number of teaching assistants (full-time equivalent) 
			 Local authority (LA)  
			 City of London 11.6 
			 Camden 671.0 
			 Greenwich 1,454.2 
			 Hackney 1,131.7 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 588.8 
			 Islington 728.4 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 394.1 
			 Lambeth 1,373.9 
			 Lewisham 1,033.3 
			 Southwark 1,189.1 
			 Tower Hamlets 1,784.6 
			 Wandsworth 1,276.2 
			 Westminster 646.0 
			 Barking and Dagenham 822.6 
			 Barnet 1,410.4 
			 Bexley 1,049.0 
			 Brent 1,261.0 
			 Bromley 1,185.4 
			 Croydon 1,519.8 
			 Ealing 1,094.6 
			 Enfield 1,842.6 
			 Haringey 955.8 
			 Harrow 889.3 
			 Havering 1,021.7 
			 Hillingdon 1,477.9 
			 Hounslow 905.3 
			 Kingston upon Thames 551.6 
			 Merton 793.7 
			 Newham 1,877.2 
			 Redbridge 1,229.0 
			 Richmond upon Thames 563.3 
			 Sutton 755.8 
			 Waltham Forest 1,158.6 
			 Birmingham 5,967.4 
			 Coventry 1,563.5 
			 Dudley 1,568.9 
			 Sandwell 1,940.7 
			 Solihull 914.0 
			 Walsall 1,521.8 
			 Wolverhampton 1,264.0 
			 Knowsley 803.7 
			 Liverpool 1,661.9 
			 St. Helens 887.5 
			 Sefton 1,202.5 
			 Wirral 1,434.8 
			 Bolton 1,434.8 
			 Bury 889.2 
			 Manchester 2,790.9 
			 Oldham 1,480.8 
			 Rochdale 1,418.8 
			 Salford 1,084.4 
			 Stockport 1,128.6 
			 Tameside 1,053.7 
			 Trafford 815.1 
			 Wigan 1,296.7 
			 Barnsley 1,175.8 
			 Doncaster 2,425.2 
			 Rotherham 1,534.6 
			 Sheffield 2,428.0 
			 Bradford 3,367.1 
		
	
	
		
			 Calderdale 1,035.4 
			 Kirklees 1,883.0 
			 Leeds 3,596.9 
			 Wakefield 1,563.8 
			 Gateshead 705.8 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 1,015.3 
			 North Tyneside 736.5 
			 South Tyneside 552.1 
			 Sunderland 1,140.8 
			 Isles of Scilly 15.5 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 606.9 
			 Bristol City of 1,587.1 
			 North Somerset 668.0 
			 South Gloucestershire 907.5 
			 Hartlepool 625.9 
			 Middlesbrough 780.1 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 652.8 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 869.5 
			 Kingston upon Hull City of 1,441.1 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 1,423.9 
			 North East Lincolnshire 673.7 
			 North Lincolnshire 682.9 
			 North Yorkshire 2,004.5 
			 York 681.0 
			 Luton 1,551.6 
			 Bedford 780.0 
			 Central Bedfordshire 1,132.6 
			 Buckinghamshire 2,219.7 
			 Milton Keynes 1,472.1 
			 Derbyshire 3,124.1 
			 Derby 1,148.5 
			 Dorset 1,623.6 
			 Poole 558.8 
			 Bournemouth 660.0 
			 Durham 1,831.6 
			 Darlington 437.7 
			 East Sussex 2,010.8 
			 Brighton and Hove 974.1 
			 Hampshire 4,480.3 
			 Portsmouth 938.1 
			 Southampton 928.0 
			 Leicestershire 2,481.6 
			 Leicester 1,769.3 
			 Rutland 158.6 
			 Staffordshire 3,165.5 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 925.4 
			 Wiltshire 1,590.0 
			 Swindon 985.6 
			 Bracknell Forest 488.9 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 605.6 
			 West Berkshire 796.3 
			 Reading 630.2 
			 Slough 861.8 
			 Wokingham 784.5 
			 Cambridgeshire 3,007,8 
			 Peterborough 1,213.5 
			 Halton 586.2 
			 Warrington 854.7 
			 Devon 3,115.1 
			 Plymouth 1,322.2 
			 Torbay 617.9 
			 Essex 5,450.9 
			 Southend-on-Sea 769.4 
		
	
	
		
			 Thurrock 773.2 
			 Herefordshire 648.9 
			 Worcestershire 2,286.5 
			 Kent 6,869.6 
			 Medway 1,185.5 
			 Lancashire 5,543.0 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 774.0 
			 Blackpool 617.7 
			 Nottinghamshire 3,138.3 
			 Nottingham 1,520.7 
			 Shropshire 1,229.5 
			 Telford and Wrekin 797.7 
			 Cheshire East 1,395.8 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 1,398.5 
			 Cornwall 2,462.0 
			 Cumbria 1,497.3 
			 Gloucestershire 2,113.6 
			 Hertfordshire . 4,459.5 
			 Isle of Wight 680.5 
			 Lincolnshire 3,026.9 
			 Norfolk 3,733.4 
			 Northamptonshire 3,370.6 
			 Northumberland 1,102.3 
			 Oxfordshire 2,751.7 
			 Somerset 2,323.2 
			 Suffolk 2,697.8 
			 Surrey 4,386.2 
			 Warwickshire 2,205.7 
			 West Sussex 2,725.8 
			   
			 Region  
			 North East 10,450.3 
			 North West 32,050.5 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 25,916.9 
			 East Midlands 19,738.6 
			 West Midlands 25,999.6 
			 East of England 25,569.7 
			 Inner London 13,661.6 
			 Outer London 20,985.8 
			 South East 35,789.5 
			 South West 21,157.0 
			   
			 England(1) 231,319.5 
			 (1) The published national figure for teaching assistants is approximately 1,000 higher than the sum of local authorities and regions as it includes an estimate of teaching assistants working in the small number of schools for which data was not received. Source: School Workforce Census (Underlying data (Excel format): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-workforce-in-england-november-2012

Curriculum

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  if he will use any unused funds from the phonics matched funding scheme to give additional support for extra curriculum resources for schools for the new National Curriculum; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  which schools have participated in the matched funding for phonics programme to date; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: Until the end of October this year the Department is offering match-funding to all state-funded schools in England with key stage 1 and key stage 2 pupils to purchase phonics products and training. By the end of July we had provided match-funding to 13,432 schools.
	Schools have until the end of October 2013 to claim the match-funding. If there is any unspent funding the Department will consider how to allocate it in line with its priorities.

Curriculum

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what support he will provide for continuing professional development to ensure teachers are equipped to teach the curriculum following the National Curriculum Reform; when such budgetary support will be determined; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to raise awareness among teachers of the changes made to the teaching of the curriculum following the National Curriculum Reform; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government believes that schools are best placed to decide which professional development meets their needs to support successful implementation of the new national curriculum, and to secure these accordingly. We therefore expect schools to identify their own priorities for action, and to identify appropriate sources of support. We recognise that the high expectations set by the new national curriculum will present some challenges for schools. To assist with this, existing opportunities funded by Government in core subjects are being adapted to reflect the requirements of the new curriculum. For example, the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) has a range of support for schools on implementing the new curriculum, and Myscience.co Limited, who run the Science Learning Centres, are also refocusing their support. The match funding scheme of £3,000 for phonics materials and training has been extended until October 2013. We have made £2 million available to recruit 400 master teachers in computer science over the next two years. We also announced a further £2 million to support teaching schools to take forward the delivery of the new curriculum in their alliances. In March we announced £150 million a year of ring-fenced funding for primary school sport.
	We are also working with subject experts, publishers, educational suppliers and others to identify what support for schools is already in place, any gaps that need to be filled, and how that might be done. This will also support providers in adapting their initial teacher training to take account of the new curriculum from 2013/14 onwards. In addition, we have given prominence to national curriculum subjects in our bursaries for teacher training commencing in September 2013.
	We have made considerable efforts to make sure that both teachers and the general public are aware of the changes we are making to the national curriculum. Our consultation on the new programmes of study between February and April this year attracted over 17,000 responses, many of which were from teachers. When the final version of the curriculum is available in September, we will use a range of communications channels to make sure that schools are aware of the changes, and where they can access quality support to prepare to introduce them.

Extended Schools

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many breakfast clubs there are in schools by (a) region and (b) local authority.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does not collect information about the number of breakfast clubs in schools in England. It is up to schools individually to decide whether or not to operate a breakfast club.
	Breakfast clubs can support a healthy start to the school day and provide more affordable child care for parents. On 12 July 2013 we published the School Food Plan(1), in which the Department has agreed to provide £3.15 million over the next two years to increase healthy breakfast provision in schools where over 40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
	The Government is also making it easier to set up on-site breakfast clubs. Subject to the will of Parliament, we will introduce legislation to allow child care providers to register once with Ofsted for provision on multiple sites. We will also work with schools and child care providers to look at ways in which we can help make it easier for out-of-hours provision to be made available on school sites.
	(1)Note:
	http://www.schoolfoodplan.com

Families: Advisory Services

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding his Department has provided for Family Information Services in each of the last four years; and what such funding it plans to provide in 2014-15.

David Laws: Local authorities have a legal duty under section 12 of the Children's Act 2006 to provide information, advice and assistance to parents, and prospective parents, about the provision of child care, early years and other children's services.
	Funding for this was included in the Early Intervention Grant, which from 2013-14 transferred into the Department of Communities and Local Government's new Business Rates Retention. Scheme. The Early Intervention Grant and the Business Rates Retention Scheme are not ring-fenced and it is for each local authority to decide how to allocate the available funding to best meet local needs and priorities.
	The Department does not therefore hold a breakdown of this information.

Financial Services: Education

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what importance he proposes to give to (a) the principles of financial education and (b) financial mathematics in his revision of the National Curriculum.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government has made financial education and financial mathematics a priority in its revision of the national curriculum.
	Through our proposed revisions to the citizenship curriculum, for the first time we are making financial education compulsory in maintained schools from age 11 to 16.
	We have also strengthened the mathematics curriculum in two ways. Primary school pupils will focus more on mastering arithmetic, including arithmetic with money and percentages, giving them the necessary foundations for their financial education in secondary school. Secondary school pupils will be taught the mathematics necessary to enable them to make sound financial decisions on matters such as mortgages and loan repayments. We also intend to include financial mathematics in the new mathematics GCSE from 2015.

Free School Meals

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to consult on the eligibility of free school meals for children whose parents will be in receipt of universal credit ahead of the introduction of universal credit.

David Laws: We have not yet made final decisions on what the entitlement criteria for free school meals under universal credit will be. We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to develop suitable criteria which will ensure that free lunches continue to be available to those families on the lowest incomes.
	We will allow good time for interested parties to comment on our proposals before we introduce the new criteria.

Free Schools

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he had with the (a) Roman Catholic Church and (b) Church of England when deciding on a 50 per cent cap on admissions for Free Schools.

Edward Timpson: Ministers from the Department for Education met representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England during the passage of the Academies Act 2010, discussing a range of issues of interest to the churches, including admissions. Our position remains that when schools are undersubscribed, there is no cap restricting the number or proportion of pupils of a particular faith who can be admitted to a faith free school; and when faith free schools are oversubscribed, they can offer up to 50% of places on the basis of faith.

GCSE

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of GCSE entries from (a) independent schools and (b) state schools scored an A* or A grade in each year since 2010.

David Laws: The requested information is given in the following table.
	
		
			 Proportion of GCSE examination entries(1) for pupils at the end of key stage 4 achieving A* to A grades, between 2009/10 to 2011/12(2) in England 
			 Percentage 
			  2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 
			 State-funded(3) schools 20.9 22.1 21.8 
		
	
	
		
			 Independent schools 56.6 56.3 53.8 
			 (1) Includes attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. (2) Discounting has been applied. This means that the best grade is only counted where pupils have taken the same subject more than once. (3) State-funded schools include academies, free schools, city technology colleges and state-funded special schools but exclude independent schools, independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, hospital schools and alternative provision, including pupil referral units. Source: 2011/12 Key Stage 4 attainment data (Final)

Headteachers

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of head teachers in England are within (a) one year, (b) two, (c) three, (d) five and (e) 10 years of standard pension age; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The following table provides the percentage of full-time equivalent head teachers in service in publicly funded schools in England within one year, two years, three years, five years and 10 years of their normal pension age (NPA) of 60 in November 2012, the latest information available. No head teachers with a NPA of 65 were within 10 years of that age.
	
		
			 Years before normal pension age Percentage of head teachers(1,2) 
			 1 3.8 
			 2 8.4 
			 3 13.5 
			 5 23.9 
			 10 45.8 
			 (1) Percentages are cumulative. (2) There were a further 6.1% of head teachers in service who were over their NPA. Source: School Workforce Census

Members: Correspondence

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects that the Minister of State for Schools will reply to the letter to him of 3 July 2013 from the hon. Member for Harrow West; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: A response to the letter of 3 July 2013 was sent to the hon. Member for Harrow West on 6 August 2013.

Offences against Children

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what support his Department is providing to local safeguarding children's boards to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation among Year 6 and Year 7 students;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to ensure the provision of resources for voluntary organisations that are effectively supporting official agencies in tackling child sexual exploitation.

Edward Timpson: The Government is leading a concerted campaign against child sexual exploitation (CSE). The foundations laid through the Government's 2011 Tackling CSE Action Plan are now being taken forward through the wider drive to tackle sexual violence against children and vulnerable people announced on 24 July 2013.
	Local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) play a lead role in tackling CSE, agreeing strategies and awareness raising with local statutory partners, and putting in place effective measures to protect and support those most at risk. To support these activities, the Department issued revised Working Together guidance in April 2013. This sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and how practitioners should conduct the assessment of children.
	From September 2012 to March 2014 the Department is providing £240,000 in funding to the Association of Independent LSCB chairs which, among other things, has allowed the appointment of a lead officer to share and embed effective practice on CSE, missing and trafficked children.
	The Department is also investing £1.8 million in the following four new voluntary and community sector projects that are developing and undertaking various activities to tackle CSE:
	The National Working Group project, which supports LSCBs on CSE issues by providing information, specialist advice and guidance;
	Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (PACE), an organisation who help to engage parents and carers in safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation;
	A Barnardo's project, Families and Communities Against Sexual Exploitation, which aims to embed more effective practice on safeguarding children and young people, including those in foster care; and
	A project run by Yorkshire MESMAC (Men who have sex with men—action in the community) which aims to improve awareness of the prevalence of sexual exploitation among boys and young men.

Offences against Children

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education further to his letter to the hon. Member for Monmouth, what progress his Department has made on locating the school attended by Adil Rashid.

Elizabeth Truss: We are currently in contact with Nottingham Crown Court regarding this case, following which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, Lord Nash, will write to my hon. Friend.

Primary Education: Class Sizes

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate the annual cost of reducing class sizes at Key Stage 1 in English schools to (a) 20 or fewer and (b) 25 or fewer.

David Laws: We have not made estimates of the costs of specific smaller class size limits.

Publications

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance his Department gives to its officials on making references to the policies of the previous Government in the drafting of press releases, statements, explanatory memoranda and other departmental publications.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does not issue specific guidance on making references to the policies of the previous Government in the drafting of press releases, statements, explanatory memoranda and other departmental publications. They are all drafted in accordance with the Civil Service Code, which forms part of the terms and conditions of employment of every civil servant.

Pupil Exclusions

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of appeals against permanent exclusion were decided in favour of parents in each year since 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: Information on the number and percentage of appeals determined in favour of the parent for 1997/98 to 2011/12 in maintained primary, secondary and special schools can be found in table 13 of the ‘Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools in England 2011/12’ Statistical First Release(1). A copy of this document has been placed in the House Library.
	This Government has ensured that from September 2012 appeal panels can no longer force, heads to readmit pupils they permanently excluded.
	(1) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/224893/SFR29-2013.pdf

Pupil Exclusions

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many pupils were (a) temporarily and (b) permanently excluded from English (i) infant schools, (ii) primary schools, (iii) secondary schools and (iv) colleges in each year since 2010, by age; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: Information for state-funded primary schools and state-funded secondary schools for 2009/10 to 2011/12 is shown in the table. The Department does not have information for colleges.
	To provide data for infant schools would incur disproportionate cost.
	The latest information on the number of permanent and fixed period exclusions for the 2011/12 school year is published in the 'Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools in England 2011/12(1) Statistical First Release'.
	(1)Note:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-from-schools-in-england-2011-to-2012-academic-year
	
		
			 State-funded primary and state-funded secondary schools(1,2,3): number of permanent exclusions and number of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions by age, England, 2009/10 to 2011/12 
			  Permanent exclusions 
			  State-funded primary schools(1,2) 
			  2009/10(4) 2010/11 2011/12 2009/10(4) 
			 Age(6) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) 
			 4 and under 20 0.00 10 0.00 20 0.00 0 0.00 
			 5 40 0.01 50 0.01 50 0.01 0 0.00 
			 6 60 0.01 70 0.01 80 0.01 0 0.00 
			 7 90 0.02 100 0.02 110 0.02 * * 
			 8 100 0.02 110 0.02 140 0.03 * * 
			 9 150 0.03 120 0.02 160 0.03 10 0.04 
			 10 150 0.03 140 0.03 140 0.03 20 0.08 
			 11 * * * * 0 0.00 390 0.07 
			 12 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 900 0.16 
			 13 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,370 0.25 
			 14 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,610 0.29 
			 15 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 670 0.12 
			 16 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 30 0.01 
			 17 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 10 0.01 
			 18 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 * * 
			 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			          
			 Total 620 0.02 610 0.01 690 0.02 5,020 0.15 
		
	
	
		
			  Permanent exclusions 
			  State-funded secondary schools(1,3) 
			  2010/11 2011/12 
			 Age(6) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) No. of permanent exclusions % of the school population(5) 
			 4 and under 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			 5 * * 0 0.00 
			 6 * * * * 
			 7 * * * * 
			 8 * * * * 
			 9 * * 10 0.03 
			 10 20 0.08 10 0.03 
			 11 380 0.07 410 0.08 
			 12 760 0.14 740 0.14 
			 13 1,240 0.22 1,190 0.21 
			 14 1,370 0.25 1,450 0.26 
			 15 560 0.10 570 0.10 
			 16 10 0.01 10 0.01 
			 17 * * 10 0.00 
			 18 0 0.00 * * 
			 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			      
			 Total 4,370 0.13 4,390 0.14 
		
	
	
		
			  Pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions(7) 
			  State-funded primary schools(1,2) 
			  2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2009/10 
			 Age(6) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) 
			 4 and under 660 0.08 670 0.08 820 0.09 * * 
			 5 1,380 0.24 1,450 0.25 1,520 0.26 10 0.41 
			 6 1,790 0.33 1,900 0.34 1,960 0.34 20 1.01 
			 7 2,380 0.45 2,570 0.47 2,700 0.48 10 0.86 
			 8 3,090 0.58 3,270 0.62 3,380 0.62 20 1.24 
			 9 4,280 0.82 4,360 0.85 4,070 0.80 240 1.12 
			 10 5,710 1.08 5,460 1.05 5,140 1.01 370 1.46 
			 11 110 1.99 40 1.22 40 1.12 16,540 3.01 
		
	
	
		
			 12 * * * * * * 27,550 4.86 
			 13 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 35,540 6.38 
			 14 0 0.00 0 0.00 * * 40,740 7.28 
			 15 * * 0 0.00 0 0.00 31,480 5.57 
			 16 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1,310 0.62 
			 17 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 590 0.35 
			 18 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 60 0.33 
			 19 and over 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			          
			 Total 19,400 0.47 19,730 0.48 19,630 0.47 154,470 4.75 
		
	
	
		
			  Pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions(7) 
			  State-funded secondary schools(1,3) 
			  2010/11 2011/12 
			 Age(6) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) No. of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions % of the school population(8) 
			 4 and under * * * * 
			 5 10 0.31 10 0.28 
			 6 10 0.48 10 0.40 
			 7 20 0.86 10 0.50 
			 8 20 1.27 20 0.93 
			 9 150 0.82 170 0.96 
			 10 340 1.38 240 1.09 
			 11 16,560 3.04 15,160 2.85 
			 12 25,930 4.69 24,470 4.46 
			 13 34,810 6.15 31,140 5.63 
			 14 38,620 6.97 36,370 6.44 
			 15 30,650 5.54 27,700 5.06 
			 16 1,200 0.55 1,140 0.53 
			 17 540 0.31 570 0.32 
			 18 60 0.26 60 0.29 
			 19 and over * * * * 
			      
			 Total 148,900 4.60 137,070 4.26 
			 ‘*’ = Less than 5, or a percentage based on less than 5. (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes all primary academies, including free schools. (3) Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including all-through academies and free schools. (4) Figures relating to permanent exclusions for 2009/10 are estimates based on incomplete pupil-level data. Totals include permanent exclusions where the pupil's age could not be determined. (5) The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils in each age and school type (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year. (6) Age as at 31 August of the previous academic year. (7) Pupils may be counted more than once if they moved schools during the year, or are registered at more than one school. (8) The number of pupils with one or more fixed period exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils in each age and school type (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: School Census

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much schools in (a) Woking constituency, (b) Surrey and (c) England received in funding from the pupil premium in 2011-12; and how much such schools received in 2012-13.

David Laws: The pupil premium funding allocations for Woking, Surrey and England are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year 2011-12 Financial year 2012-13 
			 Area Amount received (£) Number of pupils eligible Amount received (£) Number of pupils eligible Summer schools funding (£) 
			 Woking parliamentary constituency 596,000 (1)1,370 1.193 million (1)2,040 10,000 
			 Surrey county council 5.944 million 12,740 12.658 million 20,890 115,250 
		
	
	
		
			 England 622.973 million 1,303,180 1.180 billion 1,924,920 24.2 million 
			 (1) We are unable to provide data regarding pupils attending alternative provision or those recorded as looked after children at parliamentary constituency level as these figures are collected at local authority level only. 
		
	
	Between 2011-12 and 2012-13, the pupil premium budget doubled in size. As a result, we extended the eligibility criteria so that a pupil who has claimed free school meals at any point in the previous six years became eligible.
	In addition, the per pupil rate for the deprivation and looked after child premium increased from £488 to £623 per pupil and the service child premium increased from £200 to £250 per pupil.
	In 2013-14, the pupil premium budget further increased to £1.875 billion, which allowed the per pupil rate for the deprivation and looked after child premium to rise to £900 per pupil and the service child premium increased to £300 per pupil. In 2014-15, the budget will increase to £2.5 billion and primary schools will receive £1300 per eligible pupil. We expect to announce the secondary school rate for 2014-15 shortly.

Pupils: West Midlands

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent per pupil for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area in the West Midlands for each year since 2010.

David Laws: Since the introduction of the dedicated schools grant (DSG) in the financial year 2006 to 2007 the Department does not distribute funding to local, authorities on the basis of phase of education. The total per pupil revenue funding figures for financial years 2010 to 2013 for all local authorities in the west midlands are provided in the following table. The following figures are for all funded pupils aged three to 15 and are in cash terms. These figures do not include pupil premium allocations, which are shown separately.
	
		
			 Average revenue per pupil funding (DSG + grants cash) 
			 £ 
			  2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Birmingham 5,750 5,690 5,690 
			 Coventry 5,260 5,230 5,230 
			 Dudley 4,990 4,900 4,900 
			 Herefordshire 4,780 4,720 4,720 
			 Sandwell 5,370 5,310 5,310 
			 Shropshire 4,680 4,610 4,610 
			 Solihull 4,690 4,650 4,650 
			 Staffordshire 4,720 4,650 4,650 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 5,270 5,200 5,200 
			 Telford and Wrekin 4,950 4,850 4,850 
			 Walsall 5,200 5,130. 5,130 
			 Warwickshire 4,740 4,660 4,660 
		
	
	
		
			 Wolverhampton 5,420 5,350 5,350 
			 Worcestershire 4,680 4,600 4,600 
			 Notes: 1. For financial year 2010 to 2011 this covers funding through the dedicated schools grant, school standards grant, school standards grant (personalisation) and standards fund; it excludes grants which are not allocated at local authority level. 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10. 3. In financial year 2011 to 2012, most separate grants were mainstreamed in to the DSG. The exceptions were grants that were time-limited and planned to end in financial year 2010 to 2011. 4. Figures do not include pupil premium. Details of which are shown separately. 
		
	
	The figures for the financial year 2010 to 2011 do not include funding from the Young People's Learning Agency to ensure that figures are on the basis of funding for pupils aged three to 15 and are comparable with figures for financial years 2011 to 2013.
	In financial year 2013 to 2014, the DSG was reformed to allocate funding to local, authorities in three blocks (schools, early years and high needs) and so figures are not comparable to previous years. For information, the schools block unit of funding (SBUF), which does not cover funding for early years or high needs, for west midlands local authorities is given as follows:
	
		
			 Local Authority 2013-14 SBUF (£) 
			 Birmingham 5,218 
			 Coventry 4,862 
			 Dudley 4,459 
			 Herefordshire 4,306 
			 Sandwell 4,771 
			 Shropshire 4,113 
			 Solihull 4,188 
			 Staffordshire 4,310 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 4,507 
			 Telford and Wrekin 4,367 
			 Walsall 4,643 
			 Warwickshire 4,079 
			 Wolverhampton 4,827 
			 Worcestershire 4,231 
		
	
	From financial year 2011 to 2012 schools have received the pupil premium, which targets funding at pupils from the most deprived backgrounds to help them achieve their full potential. In that year, the premium was allocated for each pupil known to be eligible for free school meals, looked after children and children of parents in the armed services. In financial year 2012 to 2013 coverage was expanded to include pupils known to have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years. The amounts per pupil amounts for each type of pupil are shown in following table in cash terms:
	
		
			  Pupil Premium per pupil (£) 
			  2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 
			 Free school meal pupil and looked after children 488 623 900 
			 Service children 200 250 300 
		
	
	Total pupil premium allocations for all local authorities in the west midlands region for each year are shown in the following table in cash terms:
	
		
			 (£ millions) 
			 Pupil premium allocations 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14(1) 
			 Birmingham 27.565 46.996 67.886 
			 Coventry 5.157 9.299 13.432 
			 Dudley 4.172 7.527 10.871 
			 Herefordshire 1.300 2.632 3.767 
			 Sandwell 5.550 10.983 15.866 
			 Shropshire 2.137 4.238 6.080 
			 Solihull 2.224 4.696 6.782 
			 Staffordshire 7.071 14.317 20.654 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 4.132 7.768 11.218 
			 Telford and Wrekin 2.594 4.862 7.004 
			 Walsall 4.973 9.125 13.181 
			 Warwickshire 4.034 8.344 12.036 
			 Wolverhampton 4.405 8.200 11.844 
			 Worcestershire 4.771 8.958 12.934 
			 (1 )Allocations for financial year 2013 to 2014 are indicative and are based on January 2012 pupil numbers. Final allocations will be based on January 2013 pupil numbers.

Reading

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to encourage children to read more books in the summer holidays.

Elizabeth Truss: This Government endorses the Summer Reading Challenge run by The Reading Agency specifically to encourage children to read during the summer holidays. Children aged four to 11 read six books during the summer holiday and this year's theme is 'Creepy House'. Children can read whatever they like from fact books and joke books to the classics of children's literature. A certificate is issued to those who complete the Challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all children and is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work with local libraries and give out information to encourage children to take part.

School Meals

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area have no on-site facilities for producing hot school lunches; what information his Department collects on the (i) quality, (ii) availability and (iii) take-up of school lunches; whether all English schools meet the food-based and nutrient standards for lunch and non-lunch food; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: According to information from the School Food Trust(1), in 2011-12 17.9% of primary schools had no on-site facilities for producing hot lunches, with 16.5% of these schools transporting meals from another source. 1.2% of secondary schools had no facilities, with 0.5% transporting meals from elsewhere. These figures remain virtually unchanged from 2010-11.
	99% of primary and 95% of secondary schools with local authority catered school lunch provision were compliant with the food-based standards for school lunches; and 93% and 79% respectively with the nutrient-based standards. For schools with non-local authority provision, 97% of primary and 95% of secondary schools were thought to be compliant with or “working toward” the food-based standards; and 97% and 94% respectively for nutrient-based standards.
	The proportion of pupils taking up school lunches has increased from 41.4% for primary and 35.8% for secondary in 2009-10, to 44.1% and 37.6% in 2010-11, again rising to 46.3% and 39.8% in 2011-12.
	On 12 July 2013 the Department published the School Food Plan(2) and agreed to monitor the impact of the Plan's actions. We have agreed to test and consult on a set of revised food based standards (built on a nutritional framework), with the intention of applying them to maintained schools and all new academies and free schools after September 2014.
	(1>)( )http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/assets/research-reports/seventh_annual_survey2011-2012_full_report.pdf
	(2)www.schoolfoodplan.com

School Meals

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of children in English schools took school meals in each year since 2010; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The proportion of children who took school meals in English primary schools was 41.4% in 2010, 44.1% in 2011 and 46.3% in 2012. The figures for English secondary schools were 35.8% in 2010, 37.6% in 2011 and 39.8% in 2012.

Schools

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) teachers, (b) pupils, (c) teaching assistants and (d) support staff there were in English (i) primary schools and (ii) secondary schools in each year since 2010, by local authority area; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The information requested has been placed in the House Library.

Schools: Admissions

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of children in (a) Surrey and (b) England secured places at (i) their first choice and (ii) one of their top three choices of secondary school in the most recent application period.

David Laws: The Department collects data from local authorities on how many parents received an offer of a place for their children at one of their preferred secondary schools. The most recent data relate to the start of the 2013/14 academic year. Figures for England and Surrey local authority are given in the following table:
	
		
			 Table: Applications and offers for entry to secondary schools in England and Surrey local authority in academic year 2013/14 
			  Percentage of children 
			  Surrey England 
			 Offered first preference school 84.9 86.7 
			 Offered one of top three preferences 95.4 96.5 
			 Note: Data collected from local authorities on National Offers Day—1 March 2013 
		
	
	These figures were published on 26 March 2013 in the ‘Statistical First Release Secondary school applications and offers in England: March 2013’(1)
	(1)( )https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secondary-school-applications-and-offers-in-england-march-2013

Schools: Capital Investment

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the total capital spending on (a) primary and (b) secondary schools was in each year since 2010 in real terms; what the planned real-term figures are for each year to 2015; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The Department for Education's total schools capital allocations in real terms since 1997 are given in the following table:
	
		
			 Financial year Total capital allocations £ million (real terms) 
			 1997-98 1,026 
			 1998-99 1,399 
			 1999-2000 1,482 
			 2000-01 2,346 
			 2001-02 2,502 
			 2002-03 3,105 
			 2003-04 4,160 
			 2004-05 4,668 
			 2005-06 5,145 
			 2006-07 5,375 
			 2007-08 5,817 
			 2008-09 5,899 
			 2009-10 6,197 
			 2010-11 7,314 
			 2011-12 5,241 
			 2012-13 4,606 
			 2013-14 3,983 
			 2014-15(1) 4,484 
			 2015-16(1) 4,405 
			 (1) Provisional. Note: Figures exclude PFI credit allocations 
		
	
	A significant proportion of this funding is devolved to local authorities so that they decide their own priorities for investment. The Department does not collect expenditure data centrally and it could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Schools: Defibrillators

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make it his policy that all new schools or major extensions should have defibrillators provided; and if he will establish a programme to provide defibrillators in all existing schools.

David Laws: It is a matter for individual schools to decide whether to have a defibrillator and to arrange for suitable training of the school workforce in its use. However, there is a common law duty on all staff to act in loco parentis while children are at school and we know that schools take their responsibilities for the health of all children seriously.

Schools: Finance

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what increased resources are provided to schools due to higher staff costs in some parts of the country; what the basis is of that allocation policy; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The system of funding allocations we inherited is largely based on how much each authority spent in 2005-06. The 2005-06 expenditure derived from a formula that included an area cost adjustment, which incorporated a labour market measure of employment costs.
	The current distribution of funding is also affected by other factors, including separate grants which have been incorporated into the overall funding allocation, and therefore is not a direct reflection of the staffing cost measure included in the original formula.
	Schools funding is in need of reform. That is why we are currently preparing to consult on the introduction in 2015-16 of a national fair funding formula for schools. We are considering whether staff cost weightings should be part of the consultation on the national funding formula.

Schools: Finance

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of schools funding is distributed without reference to pupil numbers; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is made up of three blocks: schools, early years and high needs. In 2013-14, the Department for Education allocated 85% of the DSG to local authorities based on the number of pupils in schools and early years settings. 13% of DSG was allocated based on an estimate of the amount required for places for pupils with high needs as agreed with local authorities.(1)
	Once they receive the DSG, local authorities have some flexibility in the amount of funding that they allocate to schools through each factor in their local formula.
	In 2013-14, local authorities allocated 11% of the schools block to schools through a combination of non-pupil led factors. The non-pupil led factors are the lump sum, split sites, rates, private finance initiative (PFI) contracts, flexibility for local authorities within the London fringe area, sixth form and exceptional circumstance funding.
	In 2014-15, we will require all local authorities to allocate a minimum of 80% of funding through pupil-led factors. The six pupil-led factors are the basic per-pupil entitlement, deprivation, looked after children, low prior attainment, English as an additional language and mobility.
	(1) The remaining 2% of DSG is made up of additions for the funding of early education places for two-year-olds from lower income households and transition funding following ending of the 90% funding floor protection for three year olds. Further details of these additions can be found in the OSG Technical note:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/financialmanagement/schoolsrevenuefunding/a00218077/funding-settlement-2013-14

Schools: Finance

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent progress he has made on plans to move to a fairer schools funding formula before 2015.

David Laws: In the spending round 2013, the Government committed to consult on how best to introduce a national fair funding formula for schools in 2015-16. We are how preparing for the consultation.

Schools: Governing Bodies

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will bring forward proposals to give school governing bodies the power to remove poorly performing governors.

Edward Timpson: The Education Select Committee included this point in its recent report ‘The Role of School Governing Bodies’ (HC 365-1), published on 4 July (paragraph 117 and recommendation 20 of the report). The Government will respond to the Select Committee's report shortly and will address this point in its response.
	(1) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/365/365.pdf

Schools: Inspections

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many Ofsted school inspections took place in each year since 2010.

David Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been placed in the House Library.

Schools: Sports

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what criteria or formula his Department used to determine the funding allocations for additional money for physical education and sport in primary schools.

Edward Timpson: Following the Prime Minister's announcement of cross-Government funding of £150 million per annum for academic years 2013/14 and 2014/15, all state-funded primary schools with 17 or more pupils will receive £8,000 plus a top-up of £5 per pupil. Schools with 16 or fewer pupils will receive £500 per pupil.
	Each primary school will receive a sum equivalent to the cost of two days per week of a specialist PE teacher's time, with an additional weighting to reflect the size of each school's roll.
	In smaller schools, where there are not sufficient pupils to make optimum use of a specialist PE teacher's time, the proportional funding of £500 per pupil enables the school to pay for cover for a teacher to attend relevant continuing professional development and/or to pay for additional equipment or facilities.

Schools: Standards

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools were classed as requiring significant improvement in each reporting period since 2010.

David Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been placed in the House Library.

Schools: Standards

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the structural changes necessary in the schools system to drive up standards; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: The academies programme is delivering structural reform to the schools system. As of 1 August there are 3,086 academies, 81 free schools, 16 studio schools and five university technical colleges; 1,462 of these are part of a chain. 52% of secondary schools and 8% of primary schools are academies or free schools. The number of open academies on 1 September can be found on the Department's website.(1)
	These changes are driving up standards for pupils across England. Between 2011 and 2012, sponsored academies improved standards faster than comparable local authority maintained schools at key stage 4.
	The Department has recently released the academies annual report for the academic year 2011/12(2); it includes information on academies, free schools, studio schools and university technical colleges.
	(1) http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools /acadernies/b00208569/open-academies
	This information will be updated on 5 September.
	(2) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/academies-annual- report-academic-year-2011-to-2012

Sixth Form Education

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to increase the number of schools with post-16 provision; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: Local authorities (LAs) are responsible for ensuring that there are enough school places to meet demand in their areas. This responsibility extends to post-16 provision, including sixth forms.
	Academies can also play a key role in meeting local demand for post-16 provision by requesting a variation of their funding agreement to include such provision and expand their age range.
	School sixth forms are just one type of 16-19 provider in a diverse sector that consists of sixth form colleges, FE colleges, 16-19 academies, studio schools and university technical colleges. It is the Department's aim to develop a broad range of high quality institutions to meet demand from students and their parents, with increased choice driving improvement, quality and innovation.
	We have, therefore, provided an additional £80 million in 2013-15 through the Demographic Growth Capital Fund, which is available specifically for increasing the number of post-16 places, including sixth form expansions in both maintained schools and academies, in LAs that have identified insufficient capacity. In addition to this the Government is providing £5.2 billion to local authorities over the spending review period to help meet the demand for school places. This funding is delivered via basic need allocations and the targeted basic need programmes, both of which are available for increasing sixth form provision.

Special Educational Needs

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the new funding system for higher needs students on (a) a local authority's ability to commission independent specialist colleges to provide courses, (b) the teaching time a student can expect and (c) the quality of the course.

David Laws: We have conducted extensive preparatory work to introduce the new funding system for high needs students. The funding reforms enable education, health and social care budgets to be brought together, and pave the way for all students or their parents to hold personalised budgets and to have a new legal right to express a preference for provision.
	The Education Funding Agency has worked closely with local authorities to ensure they fully understand the new funding system and to support them during implementation of the changes. Local authorities have been commissioning individual student placements from independent specialist colleges for a number of years.
	The Department offers a level of protection for provision in independent specialist colleges over the next two academic years. Transitional protection will be paid in instances where the numbers of places commissioned by local authorities in the 2013 to 2014 academic year are fewer than in the 2012 to 2013 academic year.
	The Department has not set any criteria for local authorities on the number of hours needed by students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. We expect a local authority and a provider to work together to agree a suitable study programme and support package for those students with high needs.
	Arrangements for inspecting the quality of provision have not been changed by the introduction of the new high needs funding system.

Special Educational Needs

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average time taken was to carry out an assessment for a statement of special educational needs in each year since 2010, broken down by local education authority; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Timpson: The Department does not collect data on the average time taken to complete assessments for statements of special educational needs.
	However, we do publish data on the percentage of statements in each local authority that are completed within the statutory 26-weeks. Data for the 2011-12 financial year is published as additional tables in the Statistical First Release, Special Educational Needs in England, January 2012
	(1)
	, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Commons Library. In 2011-12, 86% of all statements of special educational needs were completed within the statutory 26-weeks. Data since 2008-09 were published in separate statistical releases, Special Educational Needs Statements Issued within 26-weeks
	(2)
	, which have also been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	Draft regulations drawn up under the Children and Families Bill, which will be published for consultation in the autumn, will propose a reduction in the statutory time limit for assessing children's special educational needs and drawing up Education, Health and Care plans. These will replace statements of special educational needs subject to Royal Assent for the Bill.
	(1) This can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-2012
	(2) The 2010-11 publication can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-sen-statements-issued-within-26-weeks-financial-year-2010-to-2011
	and the 2008-09 and 2009-10 publication can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-statements-issued-within-26-weeks-academic-year-2009-to-2010

Teachers: Training

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many people are training to become (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers by subject area; and how many were in such training in each of the last five years.

David Laws: The data requested has been set out in the following table.
	The National College for Teaching and Leadership publish data about initial teacher training in England in their annual publication “the initial teacher training performance profiles”. The latest published data are for the academic year 2010/11. The 2011/12 data will be published in September 2013.
	The data shown in the table is the number of first year trainees (rounded to the nearest ten) on an initial teacher training programme in England in the academic year shown.
	Vocational subjects include: applied art and design, applied biology, applied business studies, applied chemistry, applied physics, applied ICT, engineering, health and social care, leisure and tourism, and psychology.
	
		
			  2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 
			 Primary 17,920 17,300 17,350 17,920 17,960 
			 Secondary by subject:      
			 Art and Design 780 700 700 660 580 
			 Business Studies 730 630 590 590 580 
			 Citizenship 270 280 250 280 270 
			 Classics 40 40 40 40 50 
			 Design and Technology 1,220 1,190 1,190 1,350 1,260 
			 Drama/Dance 540 630 150 490 480 
			 English 2,570 2,490 2,300 2,250 2,340 
		
	
	
		
			 Geography 840 700 650 730 720 
			 History 890 820 800 750 650 
			 Information and Communications Technology 1,110 920 850 950 940 
			 Mathematics 2,280 2,210 2,340 2,680 2,650 
			 Modern Languages 1,630 1,460 1,410 1,610 1,450 
			 Music 780 770 750 770 660 
			 Physical Education 1,900 1,820 1,700 1,590 1,510 
			 Religious Education 850 900 870 830 830 
			 Science 3,340 3,290 3,280 3,440 3,240 
			 Social science/studies 130 120 150 130 120 
			 Vocational subjects 310 360 450 460 450 
			 Diploma subjects (1)— (1)— (1)— 150 (1)— 
			 Economics (2)— 10 (1)— 10 10 
			 Other (not identified) 90 (2)— 10 (2)— (2)— 
			 (1) Not applicable. (2 )Fewer than five.

Teachers: Training

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to attract more of the best graduates into teaching; and if he will make a statement.

David Laws: We are committed to raising the status and quality of the teaching profession, by attracting more of the best graduates into teaching.
	In academic year 2012/13 we introduced a bursary system which awards higher bursaries to trainees with good degrees, and this system is continuing in the academic year 2013/14. For priority subjects, including maths and physics, we offer a bursary of £20,000 for trainees with a first class degree, £15,000 for those with upper second class degrees and £12,000 for those with lower second class degrees. For other subjects we offer a bursary of £9,000 for trainees with first class degrees and £4,000 for trainees with upper second class degrees. Under this bursary system, initial teacher training (ITT) candidates holding third class or ordinary degrees are no longer eligible for a training bursary. This approach will help raise the status of teaching as a career choice and incentivise the best graduates to become teachers.
	The ITT scholarship scheme has been expanded and scholarships worth £20,000 each are now available in maths, physics, chemistry and computer science. Announcements on bursary and scholarship levels for AY 2014/15 will be made in due course.
	The National College for Teaching and Leadership also provides bespoke support to top graduates through its Premier Plus service. This includes help in securing school experience prior to making an ITT application, and personalised one-to-one support throughout the application process.
	We are also quadrupling the Teach First programme which is successfully getting top graduates into teaching.

Teachers: Yorkshire and the Humber

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) teachers and (b) classroom assistants were employed in maintained schools in (i) Brigg and Goole constituency and (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five academic years.

David Laws: The following table provides the full-time equivalent number of teachers and teaching assistants who were in service in publicly funded schools in each of the last five academic years in Yorkshire and the Humber and Brigg and Goole constituency.
	November 2011 data for Brigg and Goole constituency is incomplete and therefore not available.
	
		
			 Full time equivalent teachers and teaching assistants in service in publicly funded schools, January 2008 to 2009(1), November 2010 to 2012(2), Yorkshire and the Humber region and Brigg and Goole constituency 
			  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Teachers      
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 44,970 44,640 43,600 42,580 44,160 
			 Brigg and Goole(3) 670 670 670 n/a 660 
			       
			 Teaching assistants 19,420 20,090 20,570 24,320 25,920 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 290 300 260 n/a 320 
			 Brigg and Goole(3)      
			 (1) Sources: Form 618g for Yorkshire and the Humber region (teachers) and School Census for Yorkshire and the Humber and Brigg and Goole (teachers and teaching assistants). (2) Source: School Workforce Census. (3) 2010 teaching assistant figures for Brigg and Goole are estimated.

Truancy

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the total spend by his Department was on anti-truancy programmes in each year since 2010; and what assessment of value for money has been made of such spending.

Edward Timpson: In 2009/10 and 2010/11, the Government spent £6 million a year on a behaviour and attendance programme through the then National Strategies, before the contract ended in March 2011. Ofsted's review of the National Strategies raised considerable doubts about the effectiveness of its programmes. Our assessment was that this programme did not provide good value for money. Instead the Government has taken what Ministers believe to be more effective action to reduce truancy: increasing fines for truancy; reducing the amount of time parents have to pay truancy fines; and reducing the threshold for persistent absence so that schools tackle the problem sooner.

Unemployment: Young People

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his latest estimate is of the (a) number and (b) proportion of (i) 16, (ii) 17 and (iii) 18 year olds who are not in education or training; and if he will make a statement.

Matthew Hancock: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 11 July 2013, Official Report, column 412W.

Vocational Education

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects to announce what subjects will be included in the technical baccalaureate.

Matthew Hancock: The Technical Baccalaureate is a performance measure that will be included in the performance tables from 2016.
	We will identify the qualifications that count towards the Technical Baccalaureate in the autumn.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Elizabeth Truss: Between 18 June and 18 July inclusive, the Department answered 314 written questions from Members of the House of Commons. Checking the answers as published showed that 54 of the responses (17%) provided statistics or other information set out in a table, which was published in the Official Report. A further 21 responses (6%) referred hon. Members to statistics or other documents which had been placed in the House Library, and 16 responses (5%) referred hon. Members to information, which was already publicly available on the internet.
	We publish information on the internet proactively so that it is easily available to hon. Members and the public. The Department will continue to follow guidance from the Leader's office about how to provide statistics when answering parliamentary questions.

CABINET OFFICE

Average Earnings

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average weekly gross earnings of full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) England were in each year since 2006-07 in (A) cash terms and (B) constant prices.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average weekly gross earnings of full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) England were in each year since 2006-07 in (A) cash terms and (B) constant prices. (166604)
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period were not affected by absence.
	The tables show estimates of median gross weekly earnings in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England from 2006 to 2012, the latest period for which results are available. Figures are provided for full-time male employees and full-time female employees and are given separately in cash terms and in 2012 prices.
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employees(a) in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England between April 2006 and April 2012 
			  Full-time males Full-time females 
			  Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England 
			 2006(b) *429.2 450.2 494.5 332.6 337.1 388.5 
			 2006(c) *427.8 449.2 492.1 332.6 332.6 386.1 
			 2007 *427.4 460.0 505.5 374.2 344.6 400.0 
			 2008 *500.5 477.9 528.8 385.0 363.1 417.3 
			 2009 *446.5 477.2 538.2 396.1 396.8 430.8 
			 2010 *512.5 498.0 545.8 426.9 409.1 442.5 
			 2011(d) *500.9 498.3 547.8 433.2 399.7 448.5 
			 2011(e) *498.7 497.8 547.4 429.7 393.5 442.3 
		
	
	
		
			 2012 *497.5 505.1 553.0 427.1 413.7 452.3 
			 Notes: (a) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. (b) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. (c )2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. (d) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. (e )2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to Quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics 
		
	
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings (£, 2012 prices) for employees(a) in Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire local authority and England between April 2006 and April 2012 
			  Full-time males Full-time females 
			  Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England Barnsley Central constituency South Yorkshire England 
			 2006(b) 518.7 544.0 597.6 401.9 407.4 469.5 
			 2006(c) 517.0 542.8 594.7 401.9 401.9 466.6 
			 2007 502.7 541.0 594.5 440.1 405.3 470.4 
			 2008 571.7 545.9 604.0 439.7 414.7 476.6 
			 2009 498.4 532.7 600.8 442.1 442.9 480.9 
			 2010 551.5 535.9 587.4 459.4 440.3 476.2 
			 2011(d) 516.0 513.3 564.3 446.3 411.8 462.0 
			 2011(e) 513.7 512.8 563.9 442.7 405.4 455.6 
			 2012 497.5 505.1 553.0 427.1 413.7 452.3 
			 Notes: (a) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. (b) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. (c )2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. (d) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. (e )2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Guide to Quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Average Earnings

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average gross weekly earnings of full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in the UK in each year since 1997 were in cash terms.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average gross weekly earnings of full-time employed (a) men and (b) women in the UK in each year since 1997 were in cash terms. (167089)
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period were not affected by absence.
	The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly earnings for full-time male employees and full-time female employees in the UK from 1997 to 2012, the latest period for which results are available.
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings (£) for employees(1) in the UK between April 1997 and April 2012 
			 Year (April) Full-time males Full-time females 
			 1997 356.9 265.2 
			 1998 372.7 276.5 
			 1999 383.9 288.5 
			 2000 397.7 298.1 
			 2001 415.7 314.3 
			 2002 430.1 330.7 
			 2003 444.6 343.0 
			 2004(2) 463.0 360.8 
			 2004(3) 460.0 356.7 
			 2005 471.0 371.4 
			 2006(4) 487.1 385.8 
			 2006(5) 484.3 383.3 
			 2007 498.3 394.8 
			 2008 522.0 412.4 
			 2009 531.0 425.8 
			 2010 537.6 439.0 
			 2011(6) 538.5 445.1 
			 2011(7) 538.2 440.0 
		
	
	
		
			 2012 545.8 448.6 
			 (1) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. (2) 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. (3) 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of the survey, for more information see ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk (4) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. (5) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. (6) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000, (7) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Note: The numbers are in current prices/cash rather than constant prices. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Average Earnings: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, columns 556-8W, on average earnings: Clywd, what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time employed (a) man and (b) woman in Wales was in cash terms in each year since 1997.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time employed (a) man and (b) woman in Wales was in cash terms in each year since 1997. (166869)
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period were not affected by absence.
	The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly earnings for full-time male employees and full-time female employees in Wales from 1997 to 2012, the latest period for which results are available.
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings (£, cash prices) for employees(1) in Wales between April 1997 and April 2012 
			 Year (April) Full-time males Full-time females 
			 1997 335.9 244.5 
			 1998 343.6 251.2 
			 1999 350.2 263.4 
			 2000 362.9 276.2 
			 2001 373.7 282.1 
			 2002 383.9 '290.5 
		
	
	
		
			 2003 397.6 303.8 
			 2004(2) 423.1 325.2 
			 2004(3) 417.7 320.5 
			 2005 425.5 334.8 
			 2006(4) 440.8 349.2 
			 2006(5) 438.7 346.7 
			 2007 441.0 355.6 
			 2008 463.8 369.2 
			 2009 478.8 383.3 
			 2010 482.8 401.2 
			 2011(6) 485.9 402.6 
			 2011(7) 482.4 398.2 
			 2012 482.4 403.9 
			 (1) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. (2) 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. (3) 2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of the survey. For more information see ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk (4) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. (5) 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. (6) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. (7) 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Average Earnings: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2013, Official Report, columns 556-8W, on average earnings: Clwyd, what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time employed (a) man and (b) woman was in each local authority area in north Wales in cash terms in each year since 1997.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office of National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average weekly gross earnings of a full-time employed (a) man and (b) woman were in each local authority area in north Wales in cash terms in each year since 1997. (166972)
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period were not affected by absence.
	The tables show estimates of median gross weekly earnings for full-time male employees and full-time female employees in each local authority area in north Wales from 1997 to 2012, the latest period for which results are available.
	
		
			 Median gross weekly earnings for employees(1) in each local authority area in North Wales between April 1997 and April 2012 
			  Isle of Anglesey Gwynedd Conwy 
			 April Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females 
			 1997 **359.2 X **276.2 **254.6 **278.2 **216.6 
			 1998 **382.1 **260.7 *312.6 **281.9 **307.0 *222.8 
			 1999 **342.1 **283.5 *320.5 **242.8 *316.6 **234.6 
			 2000 **366.1 **262.4 *315.8 **240.0 *328.3 **243.2 
			 2001 **325.4 **291.8 *329.9 **238.5 *343.1 **276.7 
			 2002 **319.9 **284.9 *360.9 **269.0 **328.7 **261.0 
			 2003 **416.5 **284.2 *331.2 *278.9 *384.2 **289.4 
		
	
	
		
			 2004(2) (**)431.6 **284.9 *363.8 *326.4 *428.7 **321.5 
			 2004(3) *439.5 **285.2 *367.4 *323.7 **414.7 **321.3 
			 2005 **434.1 **328.9 *385.2 **322.3 *411.6 **360.1 
			 2006(4) **426.2 **299.3 *403.2 **375.9 **393.0 *354.1 
			 2006(5) **426.5 **302.8 *404.1 **375.9 **388.0 *354.7 
			 2007 *443.4 X *394.4 **371.3 **396.7 **340.5 
			 2008 *482.6 **362.1 *431.6 *336.2 **427.4 **378.0 
			 2009 *497.2 **350.9 *430.6 *345.5 *407.4 *320.0 
			 2010 **472.7 *329.7 *409.6 **417.8 **442.3 **356.8 
			 2011(6) *486.8 *342.7 *433.9 **391.0 **450.9 **370.8 
			 2011(7) *484.5 *343.9* *430.7 **389.6 **452.1 **350.6 
			 2012 *498.3 **342.1 *406.9 **361.3 **503.9 **397.6 
		
	
	
		
			  Denbighshire Flintshire Wrexham 
			 April Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females Full-time males Full-time females 
			 1997 *302.9 **245.0 *360.1 **258.2 *338.3 **233.6 
			 1998 *341.2 **282.6 *374.9 **259.7 *365.2 **232.5 
			 1999 *317.1 **281.9 *381.5 **276.5 *384.0 *236.0 
			 2000 *345.7 **313.2 *397.1 **287.9 *387.1 **252.4 
			 2001 *356.9 **273.4 *428.4 **314.8 *400.7 *264.7 
			 2002 *402.0 **262.4 417.2 **320.1 *412.0 *268.4 
			 2003 *383.9 **256.7 431.9 **297.6 *404.4 *288.5 
			 2004(2) *382.5 **271.5 466.2 *320.3 *457.4 *297.8 
			 2004(3) *374.3 **271.5 450.5 *320.3 *445.6 *288.6 
			 2005 *394.7 **305.0 482.0 *318.4 *430.1 *306.6 
			 2006(4) *367.3 *335.1 476.2 *381.4 *458.1 *327.9 
			 2006(5) *367.9 *333.5 476.2 *375.4 *458.1 *325.6 
			 2007 *382.4 **351.9 *445.6 *363.2 *470.1 *332.4 
			 2008 **437.3 *391.6 500.0 *379.5 *475.0 *337.8 
			 2009 **482.7 **446.3 *526.6 *389.9 *493.4 *383.9 
			 2010 **439.7 **408.0 521.6 *389.9 *488.4 *387.1 
			 2011(6) *463.6 *475.7 547.9 *366.6 *443.2 *354.6 
			 2011(7) *460.9 *454.3 *547.9 *366.6 *438.7 *353.7 
			 2012 *454.4 *468.0 563.7 *372.7 *477.6 *376.4 
			 (1 )Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. (2 )2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003. (3 )2004 results including supplementary survey designed to improve coverage of the survey (for more information see ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk). (4 )2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005. (5 )2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007. (6 )2011 results based on standard occupational classification 2000. (7 )2011 results based on standard occupational classification 2010. The numbers are in current prices/cash rather than constant prices Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the range 180-220. Key CV <= 5% * CV > 5% and <= 10 ** CV > 10% and <= 20% X unreliable Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics

Big Society Capital

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  with reference to the answer of 25 February 2013, Official Report, column 198W, on Big Society Capital, to which Government Minister or other public body Big Society Capital is accountable;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the rate of interest at which Big Society Capital is offering to lend money;
	(3)  what recent representations he has received regarding Big Society Capital.

Nick Hurd: Big Society Capital (BSC) is accountable to its shareholders—Big Society Trust and the Merlin Banks (four high street banks that contributed start-up capital to it. These are independent from Government The Big Society Trust (a company limited by guarantee) has a controlling interest in BSC ensures that BSC remains true to its mission to grow the social investment market in the UK. BSC must report regularly to the BST on its financial and organisational performance. This information is publically available in its annual report and accounts.
	As BSC is an independent social investment institution, the Cabinet Office has not made a formal assessment of the rate of interest at which BSC is offering to lend money.
	I meet regularly with representatives from across the social investment sector to discuss market development.

Cobra

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times the COBRA Committee has convened since January 2013.

Francis Maude: The Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) have been used on a number of occasions since January 2013, In line with the practice of previous Administrations, further details of Cabinet Committee and other ministerial meetings are not routinely disclosed.

Data Protection

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what guidance his Department provides to officials on anonymising public data.

Helen Grant: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.
	The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the independent regulatory body responsible for enforcing the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK.
	The ICO has produced the “Anonymisation: managing data protection risk code of practice” which describes the steps an organisation can take to ensure that anonymisation is conducted effectively, while retaining useful data. The code of practice is available on the ICO website at the following link:
	http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/topic_guides/anonymisation

Dove Trust

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what reports he has received from the Charity Commission on the advice it has given to charities whose funds were frozen when the Charity Giving website and accounts were closed.

Nick Hurd: The Charity Commission has appointed an Interim Manager to the Dove Trust which runs, the Charity Giving website. The Interim Manager has provided advice to donors, fundraisers and charities on the Charity Giving website. This advice has been, and will continue to be reviewed and updated as the situation develops. Answers to frequently asked questions are also available on the Charity Commission website.

Emigration

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people migrated from the UK to (a) other EU states, (b) other Commonwealth countries and (c) the rest of the world in the last five years.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people migrated from the UK to (a) other EU states, (b) other Commonwealth countries and (c) the rest of the world in the last five years.
	ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows and outflows. LTIM is the only data series to provide single year estimates of emigration from the UK and to separate EU states, other Commonwealth countries and the rest of the world.
	Table 1 shows estimates of emigration from the UK for the year ending December 2007 to the year ending December 2011. Data for the year ending December 2012 will be published on 28th November 2013.
	
		
			 Table 1: LTIM emigration estimates from the UK, by country of next residence, for EU countries, commonwealth countries, and the rest of the world 
			 Year ending December: Other EU states(1) Other Commonwealth countries Rest of the world Total 
			 2007 131,000 127,000 83,000 341,000 
			 2008 202,000 119,000 105,000 427,000 
			 2009 144,000 127,000 97,000 368,000 
			 2010 136,000 102,000 102,000 339,000 
			 2011 124,000 124,000 103,000 351,000 
			 (1) Other EU states estimates are for the EU27 states excluding the UK. Source: ONS http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/long-term-international-migration/2011/2-02-ltim-country-of-last-or-next-residence--1991-2011.xls 
		
	
	LTIM provisional estimates of emigration by citizenship for the year ending September 2012 can be found within our published tables at the following link:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics-quarterly-report/may-2013/provisional-long-term-international-migration--ltim--estimates-sep-2012.xls
	Revised net migration, immigration and emigration figures have been published as components of change in revised mid-year population estimates from the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 for England and Wales. These take into account the results from the 2011 Census, and included a revision to the net migration component, focussed primarily on immigration during the middle part of the decade before improvements were made to the International Passenger Survey in 2009. This is explained in a report published in December 2012. Table 7 of that report shows the differences between LTIM and the revised net migration component. Pages 7 and 15 specifically refer to revisions made to the emigration flows.
	http://ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/population-and-migration/population-statistics-research-unit--psru-/methods-used-to-revise-the-national-population-estimates-for-mid-2002-to-mid-2010.pdf
	ONS plans to publish a further analytical report in Autumn 2013 that will further explain the differences between LTIM and the net migration component of the revised population estimates series.

Government Departments: Information

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the format of data published by Government;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the accessibility of data published by Government.

Nick Hurd: In line with practice of previous Administrations details of internal discussions are not normally disclosed.

Government Departments: Procurement

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the audit of procurement contracts held by G4S and Serco will (a) start and (b) finish.

Chloe Smith: The Government-wide review, of contracts held by G4S and Serco commenced on 22 July 2013 and is expected to report in the autumn. Details are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-government-g4s-and-serco-contracts
	Further information on the costs of the review will be published in due course.

Migration: Statistics

Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will request that the Office for National Statistics revises its long-term international migration estimates.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will request that the Office for National Statistics revises its long-term international migration estimates.
	ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International .Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows and outflows.
	In light of the 2011 Census, revised net migration, immigration and emigration figures have been published as components of change in revised mid-year population estimates from the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 for England and Wales. These include a revision to the net migration component, focussed primarily on the middle part of the decade before improvements were made to the International Passenger Survey in 2009. This provides a revised series of net migration for the inter-censal period, which is shown in Table 1:
	
		
			 Table 1: Population Estimates for England and Wales: Components of Change for Net International Migration for the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2010 
			 Thousand 
			  Immigration Emigration Asylum seekers net migration Net Migration 
			 2001-02 375 271 67 171 
			 2002-03 402 288 59 173 
			 2003-04 457 292 25 190 
			 2004-05 569 283 15 302 
			 2005-06 541 332 8 217 
			 2006-07 587 345 10 252 
			 2007-08 548 318 14 244 
			 2008-09 515 353 18 181 
			 2009-10 510 300 11 220 
			 Note: Net migration includes visitor and migrant switchers, plus asylum seeker net migration. Source: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/what-we-do/publication-scheme/published-ad-hoc-data/population/may-2013/mid-2002-to-2010-revised-components-of-change-for-england-and-wales 
		
	
	These revisions are explained in a report published in December 2012. Table 7 of that report shows the differences between LTIM and the revised net migration component:
	http://ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/population-and-migration/population-statistics-research-unit--psru-/methods-used-to-revise-the-national-population-estimates-for-mid-2002-to-mid-2010.pdf
	ONS plans to publish a further analytical report in Autumn 2013 that will further explain the differences between LTIM and the net migration component of the revised population estimates series. Any decision regarding the revision of LTIM will be made in the light of this analysis.

National Security Council

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of National Security Council meetings have focused on (a) terrorism and (b) organised crime since May 2010.

Francis Maude: In line with the practice of previous Governments, information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees is generally not disclosed.

New Businesses: Woking

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many business start-ups there have been in Woking constituency in each of the last three years.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many business start-ups there have been in the Woking constituency in each of the last three years.
	Data on the number of business start-ups (enterprise births) are available in the ONS release on Business Demography at:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/business-demography/index.html
	The latest data available are for 2011. Data for 2012 will be available in November 2013.
	The following table contains the count of enterprise births in the Woking constituency in the last three years.
	
		
			 Count of enterprise births in the Woking constituency 2009-2011 
			  Count 
			 2009 530 
			 2010 520 
			 2011 645 
			 Notes: 1. The above table has been produced using an extract from the Inter Departmental Business Register. 2. Figures have been rounded to protect confidentiality. 3. These numbers do not include very small businesses, typically those below the threshold for VAT and PAYE.

Office for Civil Society: Leyton

John Cryer: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much each project in Leyton and Wanstead constituency has received funding from the Office for Civil Society to date.

Nick Hurd: A record is kept of all organisations that receive direct funding from the Cabinet Office. However, my Department does not keep a record of expenditure by constituency.

Public Sector Employment

Jessica Morden: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of public sector workers in Wales who work part-time; and what proportion of such workers are women.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office for the proportion of public sector workers in Wales who work part time and what proportion of such workers are women. (166507)
	The ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics for areas below the UK following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions using the Annual Population Survey (APS).
	Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey. The public sector estimates provided do not correspond to those derived as part of the calculation of the official Public Sector Employment estimates. These are based on a National Accounts' definition, are generally lower and are not available by gender within regions.
	According to APS interviews held during the period April 2012 and March 2013, the latest available period, 28% of public sectors workers in Wales were employed on a part-time basis and of these 85% were women.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Public Sector: Information

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he plans to publish a national data strategy, as recommended by the Shakespeare Review, published in May 2013.

Francis Maude: The Shakespeare Review recommended that Government should produce a recognisable and actionable National Data Strategy. The Government response to the Shakespeare Review agreed that the National Data Strategy would be taken forward through the Information Economy Strategy which was published on 14 June, and through the UK OGP National Action Plan, The UK National Action Plan will be presented at the annual Open Government Partnership Summit in London on 31 October.

Social Enterprises

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what support he plans to introduce for social enterprises based outside London.

Nick Hurd: holding answer 18 July 2013
	The Cabinet Office offers support to social enterprises across the UK, including through the Investment Readiness Programme. This programme includes both the Investment and Contract Readiness Fund
	www.beinvestmentready.org.uk
	open to more established social enterprises across the UK; and the Social Incubator Fund
	www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/england/social-incubator-fund
	which specifically targets social incubators. The Social Incubator Fund is particularly looking to support social enterprises in the north of the country, see
	http://socialincubatornorth.org.uk/
	but it is open to all regions. The Cabinet Office also works closely with other key organisations such as Social Enterprise UK, Social Finance and the Big Lottery Fund to support social enterprises across the UK.

Spice Innovations

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what funding his Department has provided to the charity Spice in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Hurd: holding answer 17 July 2013
	In 2010-11, Spice received £250,000 administered by NESTA to design and develop a showcase programme of Time Credit systems in Lewisham, West Norfolk and Wiltshire. In 2011-12 Spice also received £548,000 under the Social Action Fund programme managed by Social Investment Business, to scale their model in England—building partnerships, engaging new volunteers and developing materials and resources.

Sports: Voluntary Work

Clive Efford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how many former Games Makers have volunteered to help organise local sport activities as a result of being involved in the London 2012 Paralympic and Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many 2012 Games Makers have been contacted by Join In (a) within one month, (b) within three months, (c) within six months, (d) within nine months and (e) to date since the end of the London 2012 Paralympic Games; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what proportion of Games Makers contacted by Join In have refused to get involved in activities organised; what reasons have been given for such refusals; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  when Join In was first able to access contact details of the 2012 Games Makers; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  by what means Join In has attempted to contact 2012 Games Makers; how many attempts at contact failed due to changes in contact details; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Hurd: holding answer 18 July 2013
	Join In was established to embed the volunteering legacy of the 2012 Games. They do this through various channels including social media, direct contact, as well as promotions via radio and print media. Join In own a database of 18,000 people who they regularly e-mail with information about volunteering opportunities. They also have access to the volunteering section of the LOCOG database with details of 53,000 people, mostly Games Makers. Join In has contacted those on the LOCOG database on various occasions and estimate that of the database some 17,000 e-mail addresses are no longer active.
	We do not hold information on the number of refusals to get involved, nor of the reasons for any refusal.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether the potential for hostile governments and non-state actors to employ drones in an offensive manner against the UK or its Overseas Territories is considered as part of the National Security Risk Assessment. [R]

Chloe Smith: The National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) provides a comprehensive assessment and prioritisation of all major extant and emerging risks which .seriously threaten the UK's national security interests. The NSRA focuses on strategic level threats, and uses a range of generic state-led and non-state led threats to our national security interests. The employment of an array of offensive technologies, including drones; was considered when assessing these generic threat scenarios.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Francis Maude: My Department does not collect the information requested.
	Tables longer than four pages are routinely placed in the Library of the House. Hyperlinks are often given when information is already in the public domain.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Animal Welfare

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on linking the use of funding from international finance institutions to agricultural and food producers to improve animal welfare standards.

David Heath: The Government is fully committed to raising animal welfare standards internationally and is prepared to explore all practical options to this end. However, we believe standards will only be effectively and consistently applied if those responsible for the animals concerned are convinced of the efficacy of the particular measures. With this in mind, we are currently exploring the potential nationally for the livestock industry to be more actively involved in the process of defining appropriate standards and to reduce the burden of bureaucracy by them entering into voluntary commitments (underpinned by robust science and veterinary expertise). Our intention is to encourage a similar approach at global level through .the OIE (the international animal health and welfare organisation) where the UK already plays a leading role in shaping global standards.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Richard Benyon: The following table shows the number of organisations owing core DEFRA more than £10,000 as at 31 March for each year given. We are able to provide the information in the following format: numbers of organisations that had amounts outstanding for 0-30 days, 31-60 days, 61-90 days and 91 plus days.
	
		
			  0-30 days 31-60 days 61-90 days 91 plus days 
			 31 March:     
			 2011 7 2 0 13 
			 2012 10 3 2 9 
			 2013 3 3 1 8

Bovine Tuberculosis

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the document entitled, Monitoring the humaneness of badger population reduction by controlled shooting provided by his Department to Humane Society International/UK on 16 May 2013, in response to a Freedom of Information request, was heavily redacted.

David Heath: Information was redacted from the document in question since not doing so could adversely affect public safety and/or damage the environment. Non-disclosure of information in this manner is permitted and is in accordance with the Environmental Information Regulations, which include specific exceptions.

British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where the British Overseas Territories rank in his Department's international priorities.

Richard Benyon: Support for the protection of the natural environment of the UK Overseas Territories is a high priority for DEFRA. The new Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund ("Darwin Plus"), overseen by DEFRA, dedicates around £2 million per annum to the 14 Overseas Territories.

Buildings

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2013, Official Report, column 826W, on buildings, whether he has received any approach by potential purchasers to all or some of the 49.7 hectares of land known as Old Rectory Farm which is contiguous with Wisley Airfield; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: holding answer 16 July 2013
	There have been three approaches to core DEFRA expressing interest in purchasing all or some of the land which is known as Old Rectory Farm.

Coastal Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if his Department will estimate the income generated by walking and recreation in coastal communities;
	(2)  if his Department will estimate the income generated by the England Coast Path for coastal communities;
	(3)  if his Department will estimate the income generated by walking and recreation by county.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold figures for the income generated by walking and recreation in coastal communities or by county. However, annex 4 of the impact assessment of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which was published in March 2010, included an assessment of the costs and benefits of the provisions on coastal access under part 9 of that Act.
	Natural England has recently commissioned a literature review on the benefits and costs of public access and countryside recreation. The review estimates that walking as a countryside leisure activity in England involves an expenditure of £6.14 billion a year, supporting £2.8 billion in income and up to 246,000 jobs overall.

Coastal Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the future implementation of the England Coast Path project.

Richard Benyon: Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 imposes a coastal access duty on the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England. This has the objective to secure a coastal route for open-air recreation around the English coast along with an associated coastal margin. The Act allows the Secretary of State and Natural England to fulfil the duty in stages over a number of years. One stretch of the coast path at Weymouth Bay was opened last year.
	The Government is continuing the programme to extend the coastal path network around the English coast. We have recently approved Natural England's proposals for a further two stretches of the English coast between North Gare and South Bents in Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland and between Allonby and Whitehaven in Cumbria. Any necessary establishment works are expected to be completed in time for the two coastal paths to be opened early next year.

Drownings: Young People

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many children and young people in England died from drowning in lakes, rivers or the sea in each month since July 2008.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated September 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many children and young people in England died from drowning in lakes, rivers or the sea, in each month since July 2008. (167321).
	Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying cause was accidental drowning in natural water or involving watercrafts, for persons aged under 20 years, in England, for deaths occurring each month between July 2008 and December 2012 (the latest year available).
	Deaths from intentional self-harm or assault by drowning and submersion, and drowning and submersion of undetermined intent have not been included in Table 1.
	Figures shown in Table 1 are for deaths occurring, rather than deaths registered in each calendar month. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a coroner's inquest, it can take months or even years for a death to be registered. The median delay for deaths due to accidental drowning in 2011 was 169 days; therefore figures for 2011 and 2012 may be incomplete due to registration delays. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes of death can be found on the ONS website:
	www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html
	
		
			 Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause was accidental drowning in natural water or involving watercrafts, persons aged under 20 in England , deaths occurring in each month between 2008 and 2012(1,2,3,4) 
			 Deaths 
			  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 January — 1 0 0 1 
			 February — 1 1 1 1 
			 March — 0 2 2 2 
			 April — 1 1 2 1 
			 May — 2 0 1 1 
			 June — 3 5 0 0 
			 July 2 4 2 0 0 
			 August 4 2 1 1 0 
			 September 0 0 0 1 0 
			 October 0 0 1 0 0 
			 November 0 0 0 1 0 
			 December 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Total 6 15 13 9 5 
			 (1) Accidental drowning was defined using the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes W69 (Drowning and submersion while in natural water), W70 (Drowning, and submersion following a fall into natural water, V90 (Accident to watercraft causing drowning and submersion) and V92 (Water transport-related drowning and submersion without accident to watercraft). (2) Figures exclude deaths of non-residents. (3) Figures are based on boundaries as at May 2013. (4) Figures are for deaths occurring, rather than deaths registered in each calendar month. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a coroner's inquest, it can take months or even years for a death to be registered. The median delay for deaths due to accidental drowning in 2011 was 169 days, therefore figures for 2011 and 2012 may be incomplete due to registration delays. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which policy documents his Department uses to allocate (a) legal, (b) scientific, (c) policy and (d) financial resources to support environmental stewardship in the British Overseas Territories.

Richard Benyon: Territory Governments are constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments. As outlined in the White Paper on the Overseas Territories, which has a whole chapter dedicated to the environment, the Government is committed to supporting the Territories in fulfilling these responsibilities. The Communiqué of the Joint Ministerial Council in 2012 details the specifics of each commitment. The guidance material provided for the Darwin Plus scheme also informs the allocation of resources to Overseas Territories to support their environmental stewardship.

Equality

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by his Department (a) in total and (b) on staff costs on promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many people are employed by his Department for this purpose.

Richard Benyon: The staff costs of promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years and the number of staff employed for this purpose are as shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year  
			  2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Total staff costs over period (£) 
			 Staff costs (£) 129,869 14,298 82,988 227,165 
			 Number of staff employed 4 1 3 — 
		
	
	The non-pay costs specifically attributable to promoting equality and diversity are not held in a way that enables them to be identified separately.

Fisheries: Gibraltar

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance his Department has provided to the government of Gibraltar with regard to illegal fishing by Spanish vessels in the Southern Waters of Gibraltar Special Area of Conservation.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA is aware of current difficulties regarding Spanish fishing vessels operating in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). Should DEFRA receive a request for advice or assistance from HM Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG), the Department would aim to assist in any way it can. Under the Gibraltar Constitution, HMGoG is responsible for the management of the marine environment, including the Nature Protection Act. It is the responsibility of the Royal Gibraltar Police to enforce Gibraltar law, including illegal fishing, within BGTW.

Food: Retail Trade

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the business model used by large food retailers in the UK.

David Heath: We meet representatives of the major food retailers on a regular basis and discuss environmental sustainability issues.
	We have no plan to make an assessment of the environmental effects of the business models used by these retailers. However, many of these businesses have their own sustainability strategies, which they share with DEFRA. They are also signatories to voluntary agreements such as the British Retail Consortium's “A Better Retailing Climate” initiative and the Courtauld Commitment on reducing food and packaging waste, while the British Retail Consortium itself has also recently joined the soft drinks sector's sustainability “roadmap” as a supporter.

Fracking

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the risks of (a) water contamination and (b) air pollution arising from fracking for shale gas.

Richard Benyon: The Government's previous Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington FRS, asked the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to review the scientific and engineering evidence concerning the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing as a means to extract shale gas. The review's key finding was that the health, safety and environmental risks from fracking for shale gas can be managed effectively in the UK.
	The Environment Agency must make an assessment of the risk of pollution to groundwater on a case by case (site by site) basis. The Environment Agency would require an operator to apply for an environmental permit for groundwater activity before hydraulic fracturing could commence, if it determined that there could be a risk of pollution of groundwater at a site. This permit would put conditions on the operation that would control the risks of pollution in order to safeguard groundwater and water quality.
	Similarly, the Environment Agency would require an environmental permit application if waste gases resulting from the activity were to be burnt in a flare, potentially causing air pollution.

Greyhounds

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many greyhounds were put to sleep for (a) welfare and (b) economic reasons in 2012.

David Heath: The Government does not hold annual records of the numbers of greyhounds euthanized.

Greyhounds

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds.

David Heath: The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds (England) Regulations 2010 provides minimum standards for the welfare of racing greyhounds in England. In addition, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 provides more general protection for all kept animals, including racing greyhounds. If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of greyhounds at a race track or anywhere else they should contact the relevant local authority or the Greyhound Board of Great Britain.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what environmental evaluations of High Speed 2 have been conducted by his Department; and if he will publish all reports that have been prepared for Ministers on that matter.

Richard Benyon: No environmental evaluations of High Speed 2 (HS2) have been conducted by DEFRA. HS2 Ltd is the Government's developer of the railway and DEFRA officials work closely with the company, Natural England, the Environment Agency and colleagues at the Department for Transport, to ensure that its environmental assessments are in line with Government policy.
	The Department for Transport will be publishing an Environmental Statement for Phase 1 of HS2 alongside the hybrid Bill before the end of this year.

Insecticides

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations he has received on (a) the banning of chlorpyrifos and (b) the licensing of chlorpyrifos for professional use only; and if he will make a statement.

David Heath: Following the recent incident in the River Kennet, which is thought to be as a result of chlorpyrifos entering the water, several parties have raised concerns about the authorisation of chlorpyrifos. Once the investigation into the cause and nature of that incident has been completed, the implications for authorisation and controls on pesticides will be fully considered.
	Chlorpyrifos products are only authorised for use by professionals.

Insecticides

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures (a) are in place and (b) have previously been in place to assist with the safe disposal of (i) chlorpyrifos and (ii) similar pesticides.

David Heath: Longstanding UK law requires that those disposing of any pesticide authorised for professional use and its remnants take reasonable precautions to ensure that this does not endanger human health or the environment. This includes all products containing chlorpyrifos.
	The Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products which can be found on the Gov.UK website outlines measures that should be taken to meet this requirement. Individual products carry instructions regarding safe disposal and additional, guidance is also provided by organisations such as the industry Voluntary Initiative for Pesticides.

Insecticides

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action his Department is taking to assess the dangers posed by chlorpyrifos to the UK's water courses; and if he will make a statement.

David Heath: All pesticides are subject to regular review to make sure that they meet current safety standards. This is a two-stage process, with a review of the active substance approval by the EU being followed by national reviews of the related products.
	Chlorpyrifos is at the second stage of that process; the EU has confirmed approval of the active substance and the chemicals regulation directorate is reviewing existing product authorisations. The likelihood of chlorpyrifos getting into water and the risk that this would pose to people and to the environment will form part of this assessment.

Insecticides

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research his Department has (a) carried out and (b) funded into non-chemical methods of pest control for oil seed rape; and if he will make any useful findings of such research available to farmers ahead of the two year suspension of some uses of neonicotinoid insecticides.

David Heath: Non-chemical methods of pest control for oilseed rape are currently very limited. This is due in part to the historical availability of a range of insecticides, and therefore an underdeveloped research area in identifying non-chemical methods. Additionally, for those pests with the greatest potential for causing significant yield losses, high levels of control are required, particularly in those seasons favourable to population development. A range of cultural techniques and the awareness of the value of natural predators do already form a very important component in the overall integrated control programme.
	DEFRA-funded Project PS2141 “integrated pest management of pollen beetles in oilseed rape: The way forward” is currently being undertaken by Rothamsted and the university of Reading and includes looking at non-chemical methods for controlling this pest for oilseed rape. The project will draw together all the research DEFRA has previously funded in this area. In terms of non-chemical methods, the project objectives cover: examining prospects for natural, semi-chemical-based alternatives and for biological control of pollen beetles and examining possibilities for improved habitat management (including conservation biocontrol) to reduce the risk of pollen beetle infestation. The outcomes of this research should be available early next year and the key messages will be picked up and disseminated to the growers by the groups mentioned as follows.
	The Insecticide Resistance Action Group (IRAG) and HGCA (the cereals and oilseed division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) are also good sources of advice for farmers. HGCA-funded research has formed the basis of advice on cultural methods, and natural predators (described above), and are included in their guide on pest management in cereals and oilseed rape. IRAG looks specifically at resistance issues in the UK and developing advice on resistance management. It has a wide-ranging membership across industry and regulators. Guidance is produced regularly, via the IRAG website, disseminating grower body outputs. An example is the collaborative approach and joint advice given in response to the development of pollen beetle resistance to pyrethroids in oilseed rape. HGCA research refined existing historical thresholds, and this is included in their information sheet (18) on monitoring and control of pollen beetle in oilseed rape. This includes IRAG advice, which is reviewed and updated each year, and also gives a risk assessment, and advice on the importance of natural predators. HGCA information sheet 12 mentions opportunities for enhancing natural control through agronomic practices such as trap cropping. A knowledge of the insect pest's biology and making use of the optimum sowing rates for the oilseed rape can also help the farmer.

Insects

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2013, Official Report, column 731W, on pollinators, whether his review of policy and evidence and national pollinator strategy will consider the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on bees and other pollinators.

David Heath: The review referred to in the answer of 4 July 2013, Official Report, column 731W is designed to develop a better understanding of the various factors that can harm these insects and the changes that Government, other organisations and individuals can make to counter their impact. Pesticides, including neonicotinoids, are one of the relevant factors but there are many others. These include changes in land use, the type of crops grown, alien species and climate change.
	The Government has an ongoing commitment to keep the evidence on neonicotinoids and pollinators under active consideration. We are currently considering the further work that is needed on this issue, taking into account the European Commission's commitment to review the available evidence in 2015.

Landfill

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the Committee on Climate Change's recommendation of banning food waste from landfill.

Richard Benyon: We have received the Committee on Climate Change's report: “Meeting Carbon Budgets—2013 Progress Report to Parliament” and will be publishing a detailed response in October.
	The Government agrees that we need to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill. Our experience from looking into the case for a restriction on wood waste highlighted the complexities and costs of landfill restrictions across the board. Before bringing forward proposals on restricting any materials, we need to be content that restrictions are the best-value way of moving material up the waste hierarchy and that the costs to businesses and the public sector are affordable.

Meat: Ritual Slaughter

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure appropriate labelling of meat that has come from animals who have not been stunned due to ritual slaughtering.

David Heath: We are currently awaiting the results of an EU Commission study on method of slaughter labelling and will look at what options are available for providing information to consumers in light of these EU developments. Where any information of this nature is provided voluntarily, it must be accurate and must not be misleading to the consumer.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 31 May 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms L. Molona.

Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), responded to the letter from the right hon. Member with regard to Ms L. Moloney on 12 June 2013.

Nature Conservation: Ascension Island

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made as to whether the Ascension Island government's draft Marine Protection Ordinance will fulfil that Territory's responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mark Simmonds: The UK Government has not received a formal request from the British Virgin Islands Government for technical assistance in drafting this Bill. We stand ready to consider such assistance and/or representation if requested to do so by the Territory Government.

Nature Conservation: Ascension Island

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) technical assistance his Department has provided and (b) representations his Department has made to the Ascension Island Government with regard to the draft Marine Protection Ordinance.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	The UK Government has not received a formal request from the Ascension Island Government for technical assistance in drafting this Ordinance. We stand ready to consider such assistance and/or representation if requested to do so by the Territory Government.

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) terrestrial protected areas and (b) marine protected areas in each of the four British Overseas Territories have been covered by the UK's ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Richard Benyon: The four UK Overseas Territories that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been extended to are: British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Gibraltar; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The designation of terrestrial protected areas and marine protected areas is a responsibility devolved to Territory Governments. Therefore we do not hold a central record of how many terrestrial protected areas or marine protected areas are designated in the Overseas Territories to which the UK's CBD ratification has been extended.

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made as to which protected areas designated for biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories, to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended, are more threatened;
	(2)  how many (a) terrestrial and (b) marine protected areas have been designated for biodiversity conservation in the (i) three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, (ii) four British Overseas Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended and (iii) other seven British Overseas Territories;
	(3)  what proportion of the total land area is covered by protected areas designated for biodiversity conservation in the (a) three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, (b) four British Overseas Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended and (c) other seven British Overseas Territories.

Richard Benyon: The four UK Overseas Territories that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been extended to are: British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Gibraltar; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Responsibility for the designation of Terrestrial Protected Areas and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is devolved to Overseas Territory Governments. We do not therefore hold a central record of how many Terrestrial Protected Areas or MPAs have been designated in the Overseas Territories, or the proportion of the total area they cover. Neither have we made an assessment of which of these protected areas is most threatened.
	For the Uninhabited Overseas Territories, we hold the following information:
	The British Indian Ocean Territory declared a no-take MPA in 2009 across its maritime zone of 640,000 km(2).
	Prior to ratifying the Antarctic Treaty, 1959, which places Antarctic sovereignty issues in abeyance, the UK had only declared a three-mile territorial sea around the British Antarctic Territory. However, in 2009, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources agreed an MPA of 94,000 square kilometres on the Southern Shelf of the South Orkney Islands.
	In 2012 the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands declared a sustainable-use MPA of one million square kilometres in size (equivalent to four times the terrestrial area of the United Kingdom), including over 20,000 square kilometres of no-fishing zones.
	The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty provides for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and designates Antarctica as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science. Under the Protocol, over 30 areas of the British Antarctic Territory have, to date, been designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. A further four areas have been designated as larger scale Antarctic Specially Managed Areas. The vast majority of these designations include reasons specifically relating to biodiversity conservation. A full list can be can be found at:
	http://www.ats.aq/e/ep_protected.htm
	Within the British Indian Ocean Territory there are 55 islands, of which seven islands are fully protected, in addition to the island of Diego Garcia which has part protection.
	In respect of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance 2011 affords an extremely high level of protection to terrestrial habitats and flora and fauna throughout South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is developing plans for Specially Protected Areas, which can be designated under the Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance, and will undertake stakeholder consultation on those plans in due course.

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made as to which species are at most imminent risk of global extinction in the (a) three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, (b) four British Overseas Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended and (c) other seven British Overseas Territories;
	(2)  how many (a) critically endangered species and (b) globally threatened species there are which occur in (i) England, (ii) the UK and (iii) the British Overseas Territories.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not undertake annual assessments of globally threatened species present in the UK, England and the UK Overseas Territories but the latest information by country is available on the IUCN Red List website. This is accepted as the authoritative source on assessing extinction risk for the world's species.
	Currently this shows that there are 82 IUCN Red List threatened species in the UK (there is no separate England entry). The number for individual Overseas Territories is as follows, although some species may occur in more than one Territory:
	
		
			  Number 
			 Anguilla 39 
			 Bermuda 55 
			 British Antarctic Territory (1)— 
			 British Indian Ocean Territory 81 
			 British Virgin Islands 49 
			 Cayman Islands 39 
			 Falkland Islands 24 
			 Gibraltar 23 
			 Montserrat 42 
			 Pitcairn 43 
			 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha 65 
			 South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands 10 
			 Sovereign Base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (1)— 
			 Turks and Caicos Islands 44 
			 (1) No figure 
		
	
	Of those species that have been studied, there are 101 critically endangered species in the UK Overseas Territories and 29 critically endangered species in the UK.

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made as to whether the scientific evidence needs of biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories are adequately addressed in his Department's 31 evidence plans.

Richard Benyon: The evidence needs of biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories are specifically addressed in the Department's Biodiversity and Ecosystems Evidence Plan. This is aligned to underpin the policy agenda, as set out in Biodiversity 2020, with robust and wide-ranging evidence and analysis, and integrated approaches. Objective 9.2 of the Evidence Plan is to improve the evidence base in the UK Overseas Territories to assist in meeting international commitments, in particular the control and management of invasive species.

Nature Conservation: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has spent in financial terms on biodiversity conservation in (a) England and (b) the British Overseas Territories in each of the last three years.

Richard Benyon: Territory Governments are constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments. Details of DEFRA spend on biodiversity conservation in England and in the British Overseas Territories in each of the last three years, as well as 2012-13, are provided in the following table. These figures represent DEFRA programme spend and spend by the wider DEFRA network but do not include staff costs. They also include total agri-environment scheme expenditure and the DEFRA biodiversity research programme, of which a major share is judged to be spent on biodiversity in England.
	Estimated public expenditure by DEFRA network organisations on biodiversity conservation in England and the British Overseas Territories.
	
		
			 £ million 
			 Area of spend 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 DEFRA: Agri-environment schemes(1) 351.1 388.1 416.2 408.7 
			      
			 Other DEFRA expenditure:     
			 Biodiversity programme(2) 3.2 1.9 2.7 1.9 
			 Biodiversity evidence and research(1) 6.7 5.1 7.8 7.0 
			      
			 Environment Agency 25.5 26.2 25.3 21.4 
			 Forestry Commission 20.6 18.7 18.0 23.3 
			 Natural England 56.9 36.5 25.5 26.5 
			 Joint Nature Conservation Committee 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.3 
			 DEFRA network total(3) 466.1 478.7 498.7 492.1 
			      
			 Biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories 1.7 1.4 3.0 1.6 
			 (1) Total scheme and research expenditure,' consisting largely of work related to biodiversity in England. (2) Due to restructuring of the budgets, the expenditure figure for the Biodiversity programme is not directly comparable with estimates from previous years. 
		
	
	DEFRA spend on biodiversity conservation in the British Overseas Territories includes commitments under the Darwin Initiative and support for projects to address invasive non-native species. It also includes spend by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. It does not include spend by others. In addition, since 2010 DEFRA has provided funding amounting to nearly £67,000 to biodiversity conservation projects in the UK Overseas Territories through the Flagship Species Fund.

Nature Conservation: British Virgin Islands

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of whether the government of the British Virgin Islands' draft Environmental Management and Conservation of Biodiversity Bill will advance that Territory's responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	It is the responsibility of the British Virgin Islands Government to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity. If requested we will work with the Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity been extended to help them meet their obligations.

Nature Conservation: British Virgin Islands

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) technical assistance his Department has provided and (b) representations his Department has made to the government of the British Virgin Islands with regard to that Territory's draft Environmental Management and Conservation of Biodiversity Bill.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	The UK Government has not received a formal request from the British Virgin Islands Government for technical assistance in drafting this Bill. We stand ready to consider such assistance and/or representation if requested to do so by the Territory Government.

Nature Conservation: Cayman Islands

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of whether the government of the Cayman Islands' draft National Conservation Bill will fulfil that Territory's responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	It is the responsibility of the Cayman Islands Government to ensure that it meets the requirements of the convention on biological diversity. If requested we will work with the territories to which the convention on biological diversity has been extended to help them meet their obligations.

Nature Conservation: Cayman Islands

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) technical assistance his Department has provided and (b) representations his Department has made to the Cayman Islands government with regard to that Territory's draft National Conservation Bill.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	The Cayman Islands Government first drafted a National Conservation Law in 2001. The UK Government reviewed the draft in November 2001. Since then the draft has been amended several times. The UK Government stands ready to consider further technical assistance and/or representation if requested to do so by the Cayman Islands Government.

Nature Conservation: Cayman Islands

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of waste management practices on biodiversity conservation in the Cayman Islands.

Mark Simmonds: Environmental issues, including waste management and biodiversity conservation, are the responsibility of the Cayman Island Government. The UK Government stands ready to consider technical advice in these areas if requested to do so by the Territory Government.

Nature Conservation: St Helena

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made as to whether the St Helena Government's draft Environmental Protection Ordinance follows best practice and will enable delivery of that Territory's responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
	It is the responsibility of the St Helena Government to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity. If requested we will work with the Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended to help them meet their obligations.

Noise: Pollution Control

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress his Department has made on noise policy since the publication of the 2010 Noise Policy Statement; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Since the publication of the Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) in 2010, DEFRA has worked closely with other Government Departments to embed the vision and aims in policies developed across Whitehall. These include the National Planning Policy Framework, the National Policy Statements that support Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, the Public Health Outcomes Framework indicator set, and the Aviation Policy Framework.
	In addition, the policy has been implemented through the EU environmental noise directive noise action planning process. This has created a framework and mechanism enabling the relevant authorities to identify, investigate and, where necessary, treat those locations exposed to the highest levels of noise from transport sources.
	We also continue to develop evidence and appraisal methods to support the implementation of the NPSE.

Northcote House

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department used the facilities at Northcote House, Sunningdale Park, Berkshire in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Following a review of learning and development across Government the National School of Government which delivered training on the Sunningdale Park site closed in March 2012. Data on which individuals may have used the site was not retained.

Ofwat

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the level of consultancy fees commissioned by Ofwat was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: In 2012-13 Ofwat has spent £5.378 million on consultancy services. Ofwat's spending fluctuates during the regulatory cycle, rising as it moves towards the end of a price review period. Consultancy is a more efficient way of managing these peaks than maintaining a larger permanent staff over the whole period.

Pets: Sales

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring forward proposals to examine the effectiveness of pet shop licensing legislation.

David Heath: There are no plans to examine the effectiveness of pet shop licensing legislation. The Government considers that the Pet Animals Act 1951 together with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 provide local authorities with suitable powers to investigate allegations of poor welfare in pet shops.

Pets: Sales

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of the issue of people running large puppy breeding operations form their own home without a suitable licence.

David Heath: The Government has not made any assessment around claims of people carrying out large scale dog breeding operations. However, the existing laws on the breeding and sale of dogs provide powers to local authorities to investigate allegations of large scale dog breeding operations taking place in inappropriate conditions.

Pets: Sales

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what consideration he has given to prohibiting the sale of puppies in pet shops;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the suitability of pet shops as a place to provide for the welfare needs of young puppies before they are sold.

David Heath: The Government has no proposals to prohibit the selling of dogs from pet shops. It is for local authorities to decide whether an individual pet shop is suitable to sell particular animals, including dogs. Conditions can be placed on individual pet shop licences restricting the animals that can be sold. If anyone is concerned about the welfare of animals in a pet shop they should report the matter to the relevant local authority.

Rabies

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many local authorities (a) have a contingency plan in place in the event of a rabies outbreak and (b) are currently reviewing such a plan.

David Heath: The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a statutory duty on local authorities to maintain and review emergency plans for scenarios which threaten serious damage to human welfare or the environment. Local authorities must carry out and then review risk assessments to decide what plans are required, and when they might need revising. Information on which local authorities are currently reviewing animal disease plans is not held centrally.

Recycling: Fires

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 10W, on recycling, how many fires were at regulated sites.

Richard Benyon: The table shows the number of fires recorded by the Environment Agency at both regulated and unregulated sites for the period 2001-12.
	
		
			  Description 
			 Years: 2001-12 Regulated sites Unregulated sites Total fires 
			 2001 154 92 246 
			 2002 203 140 343 
			 2003 288 110 398 
			 2004 254 83 337 
			 2005 239 107 346 
			 2006 284 95 379 
			 2007 236 54 290 
			 2008 227 48 275 
			 2009 282 55 337 
			 2010 286 59 345 
			 2011 348 77 425 
			 2012 247 55 302

Recycling: Fires

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 10W, on recycling, how many sites have received notice or warnings about the way material was being stored at the sites before a fire occured.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency records information on breaches of permits, but it would incur disproportionate cost to look at the individual circumstances of each of the 3,048 fire incidents at regulated sites since 2001.
	Environmental permits may specify the maximum quantities of waste that may be stored. Operators may also be required to produce accident management plans that include measures to prevent fire.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has introduced 202 statutory instruments between May 2010 and 3 July 2013 but no primary legislation. In addition 224 regulations were revoked either in whole or in part. These regulations will be placed in the library of the house.
	Regulations due to be introduced during the period July to December 2013 are listed in the Statement of New Regulation published in July 2013:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-innovation-skills/series/one-in-two-out-statement-of-new-regulation

Rural Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what opportunities his Department provides for stakeholders to comment on proposals for new environmental land management schemes.

Richard Benyon: Stakeholders have been involved at every stage of scheme development to date. They have actively taken part in individual review groups which have examined each of the current scheme options and considered the scope for additions or amendments.
	DEFRA officials hold regular informal monthly meetings with representatives of industry and environmental non-governmental organisations to discuss emerging thinking and to seek views on the development of the new environmental land management scheme. Representatives of particular interest stakeholder organisations also meet with officials on request and have had the opportunity to submit and present their own propositions for new scheme design.
	Updates and discussions on particular aspects of new scheme design take place with all stakeholders at quarterly Natural England-led Agri-environment Stakeholder Group meetings.
	In addition, DEFRA also runs two groups to ensure the proposals for a new scheme are appropriately challenged. These are a farmers' panel and a group of senior stakeholders, academics, think tanks and others.
	Regular updates on scheme development and associated matters are provided through a scheme bulletin available on the Natural England website at
	http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/developments.aspx
	This is also available via Twitter. The bulletin contains a link to a Natural England-managed mailbox for the submission of views and suggestions.

Rural Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation his Department has undertaken with stakeholders in respect of new environmental land management schemes.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not yet formally consulted on the new environmental land management, scheme currently being developed. However, there has been regular informal consultation with stakeholders about the various stages of development to date.
	We will continue to discuss initial scheme design with stakeholders during the summer, ahead of formal consultation on the new programme which is expected to follow in the autumn.

Rural Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration he has given to providing funding for landowners for walking and access infrastructure under new environmental land management schemes.

Richard Benyon: Continued funding for permissive access infrastructure, as currently provided through Environmental Stewardship, is under consideration. This forms part of our work to develop a new environmental land management scheme which will replace Environmental Stewardship, as part of the next Rural Development Programme. No firm decisions have yet been taken on what might be funded by the new programme.

Rural Community Energy Fund

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the Rural Community Energy Fund's capacity to fund low carbon waste removal projects.

Richard Benyon: The Government supports the generation of energy from waste. As part of the modelling for the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) both community-scale anaerobic digesters and combined heat and power units were among the technologies assessed for funding. Details about the support now available through the RCEF for these and other technologies can be found at:
	www.wrap.org.uk/content/rural-community-energy-fund

Senior Civil Servants

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many senior civil servants left his Department and public bodies under voluntary exit and received a severance payment in each of the last three years; and what the value of such payments was.

Richard Benyon: The information following shows the number of senior civil servants and equivalent staff (SCS) who left core DEFRA, its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies under voluntary exit in the years specified. This includes all non-compulsory departures under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.
	
		
			 Financial year Number of SCS and equivalent voluntary exits Total value of severance payments (£) 
			 2012-13 5 365,858 
			 2011-12 26 2,662,974 
			 2010-11 43 4,239,446 
		
	
	Changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme were introduced in December 2010, which reduced the amounts of compensation payments available. The reformed scheme allows for greater distinction between voluntary and compulsory exits and is designed to encourage voluntary rather than compulsory departures.
	The figures for 2012-13 will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Sky Lanterns

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations he has received on the dangers posed by Chinese lanterns.

David Heath: I have received a number of recent representations on this issue from farming groups and other interested parties. Because of the concerns that people have about the possible impacts of sky lanterns, DEFRA and the Welsh Government commissioned an independent report to improve the evidence-base. Published in May 2013, the report brings together and evaluates the available evidence, including submissions from the farming sector and the results of a survey of stakeholders. While farmers have lost livestock due to ingested wire from sky lanterns, this research suggests that the risk of injury and death to cattle and impact on the environment is low.

Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the written statement of 16 July 2013, Official Report, columns 78-9WS, on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Taskforce, what (a) powers, (b) budgets and (c) staffing the Chief Plant Health Officer will be given; whether these will be on an equivalent basis to those given to the Chief Animal Health Officer; and if he will make a statement.

David Heath: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), laid a written ministerial statement on 16 July 2013, Official Report, columns 78-79WS, which updated the House on progress on the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Task Force recommendations, including the appointment of a Chief Plant Health Officer.
	DEFRA will be launching an exercise later in the summer to recruit a senior-level Chief Plant Health Officer in response to the Taskforce's recommendation. She or he will play a prominent and influential role in advising Ministers, industry and others about the risks posed by plant pests and diseases and will also ensure that measures are in place to manage those risks and minimise their impact. In the event of a major disease outbreak, the Chief Plant Health Officer will lead the operational response, providing clear leadership and accountability.
	Like the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Chief Plant Health Officer will have direct access to Ministers and the authority to act when necessary. The Secretary of State has recently initiated monthly biosecurity meetings to assess the latest risks to plant health, animal health and from non-native invasive species. The Chief Plant Health Officer will report directly to Ministers and other senior officials at those meetings and will be able to call on the appropriate resources to tackle threats.
	The Secretary of State will publish a full response to all of the Task Force recommendations later this year.

Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Written Statement of 16 July 2013, Official Report, columns 78-9WS, on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Taskforce, what steps he has put in place to (a) avoid the introduction into the UK of the emerald ash borer and (b) reduce the threat to tree health and bio-security from the global trade in soil; what assessment he has made of whether the emerald ash borer would reproduce effectively in and kill the ash trees showing resistance to Chalara; and if he will make a statement.

David Heath: The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) would be a potentially damaging pest to ash trees in the UK, including those showing resistance to Chalara fraxinea, if it were introduced and allowed to establish. It is not present in the UK or elsewhere in the EU; the Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) and the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) include requirements to protect against its introduction. Specific measures are in place to ensure that imported ash trees and wood are free of the pest. Ash trees cannot currently be imported, due to the restrictions in place in connection with Chalara fraxinea. Following the UK pressing for these measures to be reviewed for the EU as a whole, new legislation is now being prepared which will further strengthen the protection in place.
	The Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) and the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) include requirements to protect against the risk of introducing harmful plant pests via soil. These include a prohibition on importing soil from most countries outside Europe. Where small quantities of soil are attached to plant roots to sustain their vitality, the soil must meet specific import requirements on pest freedom. We are currently working with the European Commission and other member states to assess the effectiveness of these controls and consider what further measures might be necessary to protect the EU as a whole. As a first step, the European Food Safety Authority has been asked to produce a scientific opinion on this issue.

Trees: Imports

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) larch, (b) oak, (c) plane, (d) horse chestnut, (e) elm and (f) pine trees were imported into the UK in the latest period for which figures are available.

David Heath: Since the beginning of October 2012 there have been no imports of larch, oak, plane, horse chestnut, or sweet chestnut trees from outside the EU into England or Wales. There were 152 Pinus pentaphylla (Japanese white pine) and 10 Ulmus parvifolla (Chinese elm) imported as bonsai from Japan. These are different species to the English elm (Ulmus procera) or the common pine for which there were also no recorded imports.
	Movements of trees within the EU single market are not officially recorded routinely. However, DEFRA introduced a statutory notification scheme on 17 January 2013 for certain tree genera (including ash, oak, sweet chestnut and plane) moved into England from other EU member states. Since then, there have been no notifications for ash trees, which remain subject to import and movement restrictions as part of the management strategy against Chalara fraxinea. There have been 214,554 oak trees, 2,300 plane trees and 21,040 sweet chestnut trees notified. There is no statutory notification required for elm, horse chestnut, larch and pine in England or Wales. The Plant Health (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2013 introduced statutory notification of pine in June 2013 for Scotland. A similar requirement is currently being considered in England and Wales for possible introduction later this year.
	The Forestry Commission also records trees imported from the EU for forest reproductive purposes. Since October 2012 there have been 81,825 oak trees (30,000 of those are also included in the DEFRA figures), 33,500 larch, 20,275 pine and 7,300 sweet chestnut imported into England and Wales for that purpose. There are no records for elm during this period. Horse chestnut and plane are not species considered for forest reproductive material, therefore imports are not recorded for this purpose.

Trees: Imports

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many ash trees were imported into the UK in the latest period before the ash import ban was implemented.

David Heath: Prior to the introduction of the import and movement restrictions of ash plants for planting, some 0.56 million bare-rooted ash plants (Fraxinus excelsior) were imported into the UK during 2011 for forestry purposes. A survey of UK growers conducted in November 2012 by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) indicated that imported ash could represent as much as 3.5 million trees per year. This is significantly higher than the previous figure because the survey includes imports for purposes other than forestry and species of Fraxinus other than F. excelsior.
	DEFRA implements the EU Plant Health regime (directive 2000/29/EC) in England and, under a concordat, in Wales. Separate arrangements apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Most imported trees are introduced through England, even if intended for other parts of the UK. Movements of trees within the EU single market are not officially recorded routinely. However, DEFRA introduced a statutory notification scheme on 17 January 2013 for certain tree genera (including ash, oak and plane) moved into England from other EU member states. Since then, there have been no notifications for ash trees, which remain subject to import and movement restrictions as part of the management strategy against Chalara fraxinea.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Richard Benyon: From 17 June to 17 July 2013, DEFRA answered 385 parliamentary questions. Of these, 41 answers contained statistics that were less than four pages in length.
	The Office of the Leader of the House provides guidance to all Departments on the practice of answering parliamentary questions by reference to Government websites.
	The guidance advises that the answer should give the Member the factual information requested (including supplying paper copies of the website pages); with an additional line in the answer indicating that the information is already made readily available.
	The full Guide is available on the Cabinet Office website at:
	http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work
	A copy of the guidance relating to referring to websites has already been placed in the Library and the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons intends to review the Guide to Parliamentary Work later this year.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Advertising: Health

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take in relation to the use of distorted body images in advertising; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Swinson: The Government is aware of and concerned about the impact that cumulative, distorted and unrealistic images can have on people's self-esteem and wellbeing. Since 2010 we have run a Body Confidence Campaign, which works with the media, advertising, retail and fashion industries. The campaign promotes positive and diverse representations of appearance in the media and other cultural forms, strengthens individual media literacy and resilience to low body confidence, and supports young people's aspirations and confidence in their contribution to society. The programme is evidence-based and guided by an expert advisory group drawn from industry, academia and the third sector.
	The Campaign worked with the Professional Publishers Association to develop an industry award to recognise and reward best practice in the area of diverse body images in magazines. This is called the PPA Diversity Award and the first winner (Essentials Magazine) was announced at the annual PPA awards ceremony in June 2012.
	The Campaign worked with the Media Smart Trust, a charity run by the advertising industry, to produce online resource packs for parents and teachers to help them educate children about the images used in advertising, how they can be distorted, and the impact this can have on individuals. These packs have been downloaded over 30,000 times and can be found at
	www.mediasmart.org.uk/resources/bodyimage
	The Campaign has also been involved with the development of Pretty As A Picture, produced by Credos, the research arm of the advertising industry. This researched the opinions and attitudes of young women to the images represented in advertising, and published the findings in an attractive and accessible format. This report can be viewed at
	www.credos.org.uk/publications
	The Advertising Association is currently launching a new project to understand BME attitudes to advertising, which will explore BME expectations and aspirations, brand preferences and media use.
	In July I met with the Chair of the Advertising Association and the CEO of Pearl & Dean to discuss further ways in which the advertising sector can work to support promote positive body confidence. A number of projects are currently being scoped, including the possibility of incorporating training in body confidence and diversity into industry programmes, and the details of these will be announced once they are finalised.
	The Body Confidence Campaign also supports and encourages good practice across industry. Examples of this include initiatives by retailers such as Debenhams, who have produced a Look Book featuring models of different ages, sizes and physical abilities, and have made a commitment to use un-airbrushed photography. The Campaign supports the organisation Models of Diversity, which campaigns for a wider range of races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities to be represented across the modelling industry, and participated in their recent documentary on models with disabilities. This documentary can be viewed at
	www.modelsofdiversity.org

Apprentices

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what plans he has to promote such strategies.

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has a strategy in place to promote and offer apprenticeship opportunities to all existing staff at grades AA to SEO (excluding Fast Streamers who have their own development programme) across levels 2 to 4 in a range of subject areas that meet the capability priorities of the civil service. Since October 2012, 44 staff have taken up this opportunity, which was recently promoted as part of Adult Learners' Week. As part of the strategy the Department also offers apprenticeships in subjects relevant to BIS professions such as communications and finance and in the longer term the intention is to extend the offer to apprenticeships at level 5 and beyond where this meets business needs.
	BIS has undergone a major restructure which has seen staff numbers reduce by 20% since 2010, but is now in a position to expand the apprenticeships opportunities available to young people. There are six apprentices under 21 in the Department at present and the Department's offer includes apprenticeships in finance and the Government's first communications apprentices who joined the Department in June 2013.
	BIS has played a key role in the development of the new civil service apprenticeship offer and is welcoming six young apprentices into the Department in September, with plans to take on at least another six in the second phase of the scheme in early 2014.
	HR Directors from across BIS and partner organisations have established a network to share ideas and best practice on the recruitment, development and support of apprenticeships so that opportunities can be expanded across the BIS family.

Apprentices

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  how many apprenticeships funded by the Skills Funding Agency in the next year will be based in (a) Mansfield, (b) Bassetlaw constituency, (c) Sherwood, (d) Nottingham city, (e) Ashfield and (f) Newark;
	(2)  in which sectors apprenticeships will be provided by the Skills Funding Agency in 2013 in (a) Nottingham city, (b) Ashfield, (c) Gedling, (d) Sherwood and (e) Bassetlaw constituency;
	(3)  in which sectors apprenticeships funded by the Skills Funding Agency in 2013 in Mansfield will be provided;
	(4)  how many apprenticeships funded by the Skills Funding Agency in 2013 will be based in Gedling.

Matthew Hancock: The Government has no role in deciding the location or type of apprenticeships being done, and therefore does not have this information. This Government skills policy has shifted from forcing skills providers to meet detailed centrally determined skills targets, to giving providers, employers and learners the flexibility and ownership to determine which skills will best provide employment and respond to skills gaps in the local and national economy.
	Local employers and providers have the local knowledge and profession expertise to best identify the skills that are most valuable, not bureaucrats in London. The apprenticeship reforms will strength this approach.
	As apprenticeships are real jobs with training, the locations and sectors where apprenticeships are available is therefore determined by employers offering apprenticeships and recruiting apprentices.
	Final data for the full 2012/13 academic year will be available by January 2014 along with provisional data for the first quarter of the 2013/14 academic year. Final data for the full 2013/14 academic year will be available by January 2015.

Apprentices: Nottinghamshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills who has been contracted to provide the apprenticeships funded by the Skills Funding Agency in (a) Newark, (b) Bassetlaw, (c) Sherwood, (d) Gedling, (e) Ashfield and (f) Nottingham city.

Matthew Hancock: The providers of government-funded apprenticeships within each local authority are published in a supplementary table to a quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR). Information is not published at the parliamentary constituency level.
	http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/4027FBE2-EA08-4040-8A39-828C06648A3D/0/January2013_ Participation_by_Provider_Funding_Stream_Learner_and_ Learning_Characteristics201112.xls

Arms Trade: Exports

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the First Report of the Committees on Arms Exports Control, Scrutiny of Arms Exports and Arms Control, Annex 13: Extant arms export licences to Countries of concern, Ev w170, Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Chair of the Committees, dated 10 May 2013, and Ev w264, Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Chair of the Committees dated 20 May 2013 on the Standard Individual Export Licence (Permanent) for equipment employing cryptography and software for equipment employing cryptography of the value £7,765,450,000 to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, how many companies the licence was granted to; for what reasons the value of the licence is higher than others for similar goods; and if he will provide further details on what the licence was granted for.

Michael Fallon: This licence was granted in the first quarter of 2013 to a single company and permits the export of equipment and software for building public mobile phone networks in residential areas and for small businesses. The exporter has confirmed that the high value of the licence is based on the expectation of a large number of orders over the two year validity of the licence.
	All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case by case basis against the Consolidated European Union (EU) and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Export licences are not issued where they would be inconsistent with the criteria.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Jo Swinson: Departmental finance records show that the following number of creditors owed over £10,000 remained unpaid in each of the last three calendar years. For ease, the year to date figure has also been provided.
	
		
			  More than 30 days More than 45 days More than 60 days More than 75 days 
			 2010 6 4 1 0 
			 2011 4 3 1 1 
			 2012 8 1 2 0 
			 2013 (to July) 2 2 0 1 
		
	
	The Department takes prompt payment very seriously and on average over 99% of all creditor invoices are paid within 30 days and of these, 95% are paid within five working days. Delays in payments are rare and most often occur when invoices are disputed.

Business: Yorkshire and the Humber

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and medium-sized businesses in Haltemprice and Howden constituency were offered Enterprise Finance Guarantee loans in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date.

Michael Fallon: Enterprise Finance Guarantee loans are provided by participating lenders with the support of the Government guarantee.
	The following table details the volume of EFG loans provided to businesses and includes loan offers and actual loans drawn down for the Haltemprice and Howden constituency are as follows:
	
		
			 Calendar year Offered number Drawn number 
			 2010 8 7 
			 2011 6 4 
			 2012 3 4 
			 2013 to date 1 1

Conditions of Employment: Cambodia

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has discussed with Tate and Lyle the alleged use of child labour in that company's supply chain in Cambodia.

Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable) has not had any discussions with Tate & Lyle on this matter.

Credit: Interest Rates

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of people who have taken out a payday loan in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK.

Jo Swinson: The Government does not keep any data on the number of people that have taken out a payday loan in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. Estimates of the number of households in Great Britain using payday loans varies from 330,000 according to the YouGov Debt track survey (2011) to around 1.5 million (2012) according to the Aviva Family Finances Survey.

Credit: Interest Rates

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of households with one or more adults in employment used (a) home collected credit, (b) payday loans and (c) all forms of high cost credit in 2012.

Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the proportion of households within Great Britain with one or more adults working using (a) home collected credit, (b)payday loans and (c) all forms of high cost credit in 2012. This data is taken from the YouGov Debt track survey.
	
		
			 Households with one or more adults working 
			  Percentage 
			 Home collected credit 1.2 
			 Payday loan 1.8 
			 Any high-cost credit 3.1

Credit: Interest Rates

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of households used credit for everyday living expenses in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2011-12.

Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the proportion of households within Great Britain reporting they used credit for everyday living expenses in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2011-12. This data is taken from the YouGov Debt track survey.
	
		
			 Percentage 
			  2008-09 2009-10 2011-12 
			 All the time 11 11 10 
			 Once in a while 15 13 13 
			 Either 26 25 23

Debts

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average amount owed by households in relation to (a) student loans, (b) personal loans, (c) credit cards, (d) overdrafts and (e) high cost credit in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 was.

Jo Swinson: The following table provides data on the average amount owed by all households within Great Britain in relation to (a) student loans, (b) personal loans, (c)credit cards, and (e) all high cost credit in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012. This data is taken from the YouGov Debt track survey. For (d) overdrafts, the survey only includes data on authorised overdrafts.
	
		
			  Mean (£), 2011 Mean (£), 2012 
			 Student loans 1,100 1,300 
			 Personal loans 800 700 
			 Credit cards 900 900 
			 Authorised overdrafts 100 100 
			 All high cost credit <50 <50

Electronic Government

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the NAO report Digital Britain published 28 March 2013, HC 1048.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
	The National Audit Office's Digital Britain 2 report endorsed the Government's digital agenda. It recognised that the Government's aim of making public services digital by default was broadly acceptable to most people and also small- and medium-sized businesses. Work is already under way to make digital the preferred means of accessing public services; and to help people who cannot, or do not wish to go online, access public services.

Enforcement Restriction Orders

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will implement the enforcement restriction order, as provided for under Part 6A of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Jo Swinson: At this time, I have no plans to implement the enforcement restriction order regime.

Exports: Israel

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of UK exports to Israel was in 2012.

Michael Fallon: Data showing the value of UK exports of goods and services to Israel in 2012 are available from Table 9.3 of the ONS' UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) publication at the following link:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance-of-payments/2013/rft-part-3--chapter-9-tables--geographical-breakdown-of-the-current-account.xls

Fuel Cells

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanisms his Department is considering providing to support the deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in transport.

Michael Fallon: UKH2Mobility, a Government and cross-industry programme, is currently evaluating the potential for use of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in travel and what support the industry might need. It is expected to report at the end of this year.
	Working with the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) the Technology Strategy board has invested in excess of £41 million into fuel cell and hydrogen technologies since 2009. In this financial year 2013-14 the TSB has plans to invest a further £4.5 million into ongoing activity supporting fuel cell manufacturing and the supply chain and £5 million into technologies specifically enabling the market for hydrogen. Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies are a part of TSB's Energy strategy and further investments into this area are anticipated during the current spending review period to continue to support UK companies developing products for this growing global market.
	In addition hydrogen fuel cell electric cars are eligible under the existing plug-in car grant scheme, administered by OLEV, which offers motorists a grant of 25% towards the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £5,000.

Insolvency

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he has received on plans by creditors to introduce modifications to Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) that may make it difficult for an IVA to be provided to a debtor by a licensed insolvency practitioner; and whether he has any plans to bring forward further regulation in light of these plans.

Jo Swinson: I have received three letters on this issue; I do not have any plans to bring forward further regulation in light of these plans.
	We are, however, considering Professor Kempson's recommendations following her review of insolvency practitioner fees and will respond shortly.

Insolvency

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to encourage all creditors to agree to the Debt Management Plan Protocol.

Jo Swinson: BIS officials in The Insolvency Service are liaising with various trade associations representing different creditor organisations in order to encourage take up of the Debt Management Plan Protocol.

Insolvency

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of how many informal debt management plans might be replaced by Simple IVAs;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the potential effect on returns to creditors across all debt resolution procedures which may occur if the simple IVA were to be introduced;
	(3)  if he plans to introduce the simple IVA, as originally proposed by the Insolvency Service in November 2008;
	(4)  whether he plans to introduce further reform of personal insolvency procedures.

Jo Swinson: We undertook an in depth review of the personal insolvency regime 2010/11 ("Managing Borrowing and Dealing with Debt"), which asked for views on whether the regime itself was fit for purpose. The conclusion of that review was that the current options available do provide a balance between debt write off and relief and reasonable levels of debt repayment. Therefore in the light of the responses there are no current plans to introduce legislation for simple IVAs.
	However, we will be introducing major changes to the debtor petition route into bankruptcy by removing the courts and making the process administrative; we will also be evaluating the debt relief order regime next year.
	The key issue for Government is to ensure that consumers in financial difficulty know where to go for free and impartial advice on the various debt remedies available to them, both formal insolvency procedures and informal debt management plans. Some debtors will prefer the formality that an individual voluntary arrangement, for example, will bring; for others, the more informal debt management plan will be the preferred route. In developing the debt management plan protocol with industry we will be collating more data on debt management plans, which will allow us to better assess how well the debt management market is meeting consumer needs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much of the £539.6 million announced by his Department on 27 June 2013 for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership for 2014 to 2020 will be allocated to (a) Northumberland, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) County Durham; and if he will estimate how much funding each of these areas would have received if the EU formula for the allocation of funding had been implemented.

Michael Fallon: Apart from the Tees Valley and Durham transition region there is no more detailed breakdown of the allocations to the north eastern Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). It is up to the LEPs to lead local discussions about how the ESI funds are spent in their areas. The EU formula is only used to determine the national envelope for each category of region and, as such, local authority specific allocations have not been calculated except for where they happen to map onto transition regions.
	The figure for allocations for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership is €539.6 million rather than £539.6 million. As set out in the letter of 10 July 2013 to the north eastern LEP, the allocation to County Durham, which is the transition region part of the LEP, is €145.3 million (this figure does not include the performance reserve of 7% which cannot be released until agreed targets and milestones have been met, based on a performance review to take place in 2019).

Manufacturing Industries: Research

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what government funding has been provided for research and development in the manufacturing sector in (a) each of the last three years and (b) 2013-14.

David Willetts: The Government funds advanced manufacturing research and development (R&D) through support of the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the BIS Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) and the Engineering and Physical Research Council (EPSRC).
	
		
			     £ million 
			  2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14(1) 
			 EPSRC 61.6 50.3 50.3 (3)— 
			 Spend on dedicated manufacturing research(2)     
			      
			 TSB 20 65 65 93 
			 Spend to stimulate and support business-led innovation in manufacturing     
			      
			 RGF Projects  3 14.7 (4)137 
			 Spend on research     
			      
			 Other     
			 Spend by BIS on manufacturing R&D 18.4 20.8 44.9 (5)156 
			 (1) Estimated (2) Research grants only (as published in EPSRC annual report and accounts)—does not include spend on postgraduate training and fellowships in manufacturing, other research of relevance to manufacturing, nor research relevant to manufacturing funded by other Research Councils. (3) Projected to be slightly higher than 2012-13. (4) Estimate to August. (5) £150 million aerospace-related. 
		
	
	In 2011-12 £125 million was made available to support UK Supply Chains as part of Rounds 1 and 2 of AMSCI. Some of the projects supported include a manufacturing R&D component.
	A further £120 million is being made available for AMSCI Rounds 3 and 4 from 2013-14. £20 million of this funding is allocated to Financial Year 2013-14 and, as with Rounds 1 and 2, some of this funding will support manufacturing R&D.

Music: Copyright

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how composers and performers will be rewarded if fair compensation is recovered at the point of sale under proposals for a private copying exception.

Jo Swinson: The Government's proposed new private copying exception will be drafted so as to minimise any possible harm to copyright owners, It will simply permit consumers to copy content they have lawfully acquired for their own use. Most people already think they can do this, without realising it is an infringement of copyright. The exception will not allow anyone to get copies for free.
	This narrow measure will minimise any possible harm to copyright owners. As such there will be no need to provide compensation to them. Copyright owners, including composers and performers, will continue to be rewarded when people buy copies of their works.

New Businesses: Government Assistance

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness about how to access funding for new business ideas.

Michael Fallon: The Government recognises the importance of making sure businesses are aware of funding support available to them to help them start up and grow a business. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has therefore launched a significant communication campaign this summer to promote a targeted range of Government backed finance products. The campaigns promote Start-Up Loans, the Regional Growth Fund, Enterprise Finance Guarantee and a number of tax reliefs offered to investors. Activity launched in May and runs through until the end of September.
	The gov.uk website features a number of interactive tools and pages of information to help businesses find Government support easily.
	Businesses can use an interactive tool to find Government support
	http://gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder
	The Finance Finder informs businesses of the different types of finance available to them
	http://www.gov.uk/which-finance-is-right-for-your-business
	And there is a guide to finance at
	http://www.gov.uk/business-finance-explained
	In addition, BIS is working on a major government communications campaign for the autumn, as part of which sources of help for new business ideas, including where funding can be obtained, will be explained.

Overseas Trade: Human Rights

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what regard his Department has for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Countries of Concern List as part of its work promoting exports and trade.

Michael Fallon: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is fully engaged in the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in support of human rights issues relating to export and trade across all countries around the world, including those listed in the FCO's Countries of Concern List.
	The UK Government works proactively to promote respect for human rights policies among UK companies operating overseas. The UK is committed to upholding the principles of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the United Nations Guiding Principles on business and Human Rights. We encourage all British companies to observe these international standards and we stand ready to help them with advice.

Overseas Trade: Israel

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of bilateral trade between the UK and Israel was in 2012.

Michael Fallon: Data showing the value of bilateral trade (exports and imports of goods and services) between UK and Israel in 2012 are available from Table 9.3 of the ONS' UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) publication at the following link:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance-of-payments/2013/rft-part-3--chapter-9-tables--geographical-breakdown-of-the-current-account.xls

Restaurants: Gratuities

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the restaurant industry that do not allow waiters to keep tips, but instead use this additional income to pay other business costs.

Jo Swinson: There have been no recent discussions on this subject with Ministers at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Restaurants: Gratuities

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to reduce the number of restaurants that do not allow waiters to keep tips, but instead use this additional income to pay other business costs.

Jo Swinson: Under the national minimum wage regulations tips cannot be used to make up minimum wage pay. This means that workers must receive at least the minimum wage in base pay, with any tips they receive being paid on top.
	Where tips are paid to the business and collected by the employer (for example where they are added to payments by credit card), they are the property of the employer. There are no legal requirements setting out how an employer must handle such tips. Instead it is a matter for agreement between the employer and workers what proportion of these monies are distributed to workers.
	Cash tips given by customers directly to a worker do not belong to the business but to the member of staff to whom they are given. Workers can agree to pool or share their cash tips, but employers cannot force members of staff to do this.
	The Government has made available best practice guidance on tips on gov.uk website. This guidance recommends:
	that workers should be fully informed on how tips are shared between the business and the workers;
	that business should seek to reach agreement with workers on any change of policy; and
	businesses clearly display their tips policy for consumers.

Royal Mail

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether in the event of the privatisation of Royal Mail every member of staff will receive the same number of shares; who will decide how many shares each staff member receives; and what criteria will be used in the decision of how many shares each member of staff receives.

Michael Fallon: Government has announced that it will transfer 10% of the shares in Royal Mail to an employee share scheme on or around the time of IPO.
	Shares will be allocated to eligible employees equally, regardless of grade or pay levels. The allocation will be pro-rated based on an employee's typical hours to differentiate between full- and part-time workers. We expect circa 150,000 Royal Mail employees will be eligible for the share scheme.
	Employees can opt not to receive shares. Further details will be provided in the run up to the IPO.

Royal Mail

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria were used to select the banks included in the syndicate responsible for the floatation of Royal Mail.

Michael Fallon: The Government appointed the banks on the basis of their relevant experience and expertise; their research and distribution capabilities; and their commitment to delivering the strength and quality of investor demand required for a major IPO.
	Their selection came after a highly competitive tender process and the Government focused on securing the best banks to execute an IPO in line with the Government's objectives for the sale and ultimately, to secure the best outcome and value for money for the UK taxpayer.

Science: Research

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of gross domestic product the UK spends on scientific research.

David Willetts: The latest figures for gross expenditure on research and development (GERD), published by ONS in March 2013, show that in 2011 research and development accounted for 1.8% of UK GDP.

Shipping: Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the national minimum wage applies to non-EEA seafarers employed on a commercial passenger vessel working on routes between ports in the UK and Ireland.

Jo Swinson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 October 2012, Official Report, column 116W.

Students

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 1 July 2013, Official Report, column 524W, on students, how many full-time undergraduate English-domiciled students at UK higher education institutions lived (a) at home and (b) away from home whilst completing their studies in (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2006-07.

David Willetts: The number of English-domiciled full-time undergraduate students studying in the UK by term-time living arrangements is shown in the following table. The figures are collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
	
		
			 Number of full-time undergraduate enrolments by living arrangements: English-domiciled students at UK higher education institutions, academic years 2001/02 and 2006/07 
			  2001/02 2006/07 
			 Students living with parents(1) 146,910 179,840 
			 Students living away from home(2) 487,860 581,010 
			 Other(3) 144,290 115,610 
			 Total 779,060 876,460 
			 (1 )Students who report term-time accommodation as living with parent(s) or guardian. (2 )Students living in own home, other rented accommodation, private-sector halls of residence or in an institution-maintained property. (3) Term-time accommodation is unknown, missing, unspecified or simply the student is not in attendance at the institution during the reported academic year. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Students: Debts

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  how much debt on average (a) in total, (b) excluding loans relating to tuition fees and (c) excluding all loans derived from public funds a student at an institution in England and Wales had on completion of (i) a three year undergraduate degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the average debt (a) in total, (b) excluding loans relating to tuition fees and (c) excluding all loans derived from public funds likely to accrue to a student at an institution in England and Wales completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Student Income and Expenditure Survey 2011/12, published on 27( )June 2013, is a sample survey of 3,900 undergraduate higher education students attending 96 higher education institutions (including the Open university) and further education colleges in England and Wales.
	The survey provides estimates of the overall financial position of students, including the amounts borrowed from different sources.
	In 2011/12, full-time undergraduate student borrowing was predominantly made up of student loans, which accounted for 88% of all borrowing. Commercial credit made up 5% and overdrafts 6% (and “other” 1%). Further breakdowns of this information, including estimates of borrowing among final year students, are available in the published report at the following link (see Table A6.16):
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-income-and-expenditure-survey-2011-t0-2012
	Estimates of average total graduate borrowing on completion of higher education for the next 10 years are not available.

Students: Debts

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what the average interest rate on debt relating to loans (a) derived from public funding and (b) provided by the private sector taken out by a student at an institution in England and Wales completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course was in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the average interest rate on debt relating to loans (a) derived from public funding and (b) provided by the private sector taken out by a student at an institution in England and Wales completing (i) a three year undergraduate degree course, (ii) a two year foundation degree course and (iii) a one year postgraduate degree course in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The interest rate charged on student loans in each of the last five years can be found on the Student Loans Company (SLC) website. The rate on this type of income contingent loan is set by using the March retail prices index (RPI) figure, and applying that rate of interest for 12 months commencing 1 September until 31 August. However, there is a mandatory low interest cap, which means that the interest rate must be adjusted if the base rate plus 1% across a specified group of banks is lower than RPI.
	http://www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid =93,6678642&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
	For new scheme loans available to new students from September 2012, the rate is also set by reference to the March RPI figure but with an additional 3% added to the rate for those studying and up until the April after leaving their course. The interest rate charged to borrowers once they become liable to repay will be dependent on their income. The rate of interest charged on these loans is also set out in detail on the SLC website here:
	http://www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid =93,6678755&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
	The rates of interest detailed above will apply to students on both a three year undergraduate degree course and a two year foundation degree course. Postgraduate degree students are not eligible for publicly funded loans.
	Estimates of the average interest rate on publicly funded student loans for the next 10 years are not available.
	Students are a heterogeneous group and the private sector is likely to assess each individual before deciding whether to offer them a loan and what interest rate to charge. We are unable to provide information on the average interest rate on debt relating to loans provided by the private sector.

Students: Finance

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to review the current level of (a) tuition fees and (b) student maintenance support; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: This is the first year of the Government's higher education (HE) reforms, and we are monitoring the impact of the new system closely.
	Decisions on tuition fee caps and the support for living costs are taken on an annual basis. In determining the amounts of support provided, the Government balances the need for a sustainable HE system with the impact on students and the overall affordability for Government.
	The support package for academic year 2014-15 was announced in a written ministerial statement on 11 March 2013, Official Report, columns 1-2WS. We have also announced, as part of the spending review, that the maintenance grant for academic year 2015-16 will be maintained at 2014-15 levels. The remainder of the package for 2015-16—maximum tuition fees and loans, loans for living costs, dependants grants and disabled students allowances—will be announced in the new year.
	More broadly, I have asked HEFCE to monitor the overall impact of the HE reforms on students and institutions. HEFCE published its first report in March 2013, and will update this analysis in spring 2014.

Students: Health

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what his future plans are for support for (a) students aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) students aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term health conditions in further and higher education;
	(2)  what support his Department provides to (a) students aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) students aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term health conditions to help access and maintain further and higher education opportunities.

Matthew Hancock: Further education colleges and higher education institutions (HEIs) have the same duties under the Equality Act 2010 to support disabled students. Additional funding is provided to help them meet the needs of students with disabilities, and this includes those with cancer and serious and complex long-term health conditions to enable them to participate fully in education and training opportunities. As autonomous institutions, further education colleges and HEIs have the flexibility to determine how they provide such support in individual cases and according to local needs.
	A comprehensive package of financial support for students with disabilities studying in higher education is provided by the institution they attend and individually through disabled students' allowances (DSAs). DSAs are provided to help students in higher education with the extra costs they may incur because of a disability, including a long-term health condition. Spend on DSAs has increased steadily in recent years.
	In 2010/11 spend on English students in receipt of full-time DSAs was £109.2 million (on 47,400 students). DSAs play a vital role in supporting disabled students to achieve their potential and the Government has already announced increased levels of support that students will be able to access in the next two academic years.
	In further education, the Government provides funding to help providers meet the additional needs of learners with learning difficulties and disabilities through the Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding Agency. The two agencies have published a joint statement on funding for LLDD learners for 2013/14 on the website at:
	http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/SFA/FINALMarch_2013_ EFA_and_SFA_LLDD_Position_statement_2.pdf
	Some students aged 16 up to 25 with cancer or with serious and complex long-term health conditions have learning difficulties or disabilities which call for special educational provision. The Children and Families Bill currently being considered by Parliament will extend new rights and protections to young people in further education comparable to those in schools. This includes the right to request an assessment for a new Educational Health and Care (EHC) Plan which will replace the current system of learning difficulty assessments.
	The plan would specify their special educational needs, the outcomes they want to achieve, the special educational provision and any health care and social care they reasonably require. Young people will also have a right to state a preference for where they study, and will be able to appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal if they are unsatisfied with their provision.

Work Experience

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses have been convicted of hiring unpaid interns in (a) 2013 to date, (b) 2012, (c) 2011 and (d) 2010.

Jo Swinson: From 2010 to 2013 there have been two prosecutions for minimum wage offences.
	The term “intern” is not defined in legislation and entitlement to the minimum wage depends on whether or not an individual performing work experience of this nature is a worker for minimum wage purposes. In 2012/13 HMRC identified £3.9 million in arrears of wages for over 26,000 workers—a figure which includes individuals taken on as unpaid interns but who were actually workers under national minimum wage law.
	This Government is clear; exploitation of interns is unacceptable and we do not hesitate to act where we find that employment law has been broken and someone who is entitled to the minimum wage has not been paid it.
	Anyone who thinks they have not been paid the minimum wage that they might be entitled to should call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline directly on 0800 917 368:
	https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline
	for free, confidential advice and to make a complaint.
	In 2012/13 HMRC identified £3.9 million in arrears of wages for over 26,000 workers.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month.

Jo Swinson: Of the 235 written parliamentary questions answered by the Department in the last month before the 2013 summer recess, 120 contained statistical data of less than four pages. Seven of the other 115 questions contained a reference to a statistical source. None of the 235 answers provided statistical data of four pages or more.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many answers by his Department to the last 100 Parliamentary Questions asked involving tables of statistics fewer than four pages in length were (a) printed in full and (b) provided via a link to a website.

Jo Swinson: Records show that of the last 100 written parliamentary questions, answered by the Department, during the period 9-18 July 2013, a total of 17 provided tables which were printed in full in the Official Report. A further four answers contained links to statistical information in the public domain; one referred to the Economic and Social Research Council website; the other three to the United Kingdom Trade and Investment website.

TREASURY

Banks: EU Action

Brian Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what ex-post levies will be raised on the financial sector in support of the EU single resolution mechanism; and if he will make a statement.

Greg Clark: Under the Commission's proposal for a single resolution mechanism and single bank resolution fund, firms established in participating member states will provide ex-post contributions where the fund is not sufficient to cover losses, costs or other expenses incurred. These contributions will be allocated between firms in accordance with the rules for ex-ante contributions. The Government has announced that the UK will not participate in the single resolution mechanism.

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of families receiving the current childcare vouchers scheme which will not be eligible for the new tax free childcare scheme in 2015 due to their children being over the age of five.

Sajid Javid: Information on the numbers of families affected by the new scheme for tax-free child care will not be available until the consultation launched on 5 August is complete and the policy details have been fully defined.
	The new scheme will be available for children up to the age of 12 when fully implemented, and any parents in receipt of child care vouchers at the start of the new scheme will continue to benefit from the relief whether or not they are eligible for the new scheme.

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what projections his Department has made of the cost of the overheads associated with the new tax free childcare scheme.

Sajid Javid: No projection will be available until the tax free child care system has been designed and developed.

Economic and Monetary Union

Brian Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is towards the development of the social dimension of Economic and Monetary Union; and if he will make a statement.

Greg Clark: Discussions on the possible development of the social dimension of EMU are at an early stage. The Government is clear that the UK will not participate in measures for closer euro area integration, but will engage fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals so as to protect our national interests, in particular on the single market.

Economic and Monetary Union

Brian Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the European Commission's proposals to establish a joint Eurozone Society Security Fund with payments linked to adherence to policy targets; and if he will make a statement.

Greg Clark: As yet, there are no specific proposals for a joint Eurozone Social Security Fund with payments linked to adherence to policy targets. However, the Government is clear that the UK will not participate in measures for closer euro area integration, but will engage fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals so as to protect our national interests, in particular on the single market.

Economic and Monetary Union

Brian Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what his policy is on participating in projected solidarity mechanisms under future Eurozone arrangements; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether he plans to opt into EU contracts for competitiveness and growth.

Greg Clark: There are as yet no specific proposals for EU contracts for competitiveness and growth, nor for new solidarity mechanisms for the Eurozone. However, the Government is clear that the UK will not participate in measures for closer euro area integration, but will engage fully in negotiations on any future specific proposals so as to protect our national interests, in particular on the single market.

Government Departments: Procurement

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what current projects in all Government departments have no financial limit imposed on them by his Department.

Danny Alexander: No projects across Government have no financial limit. All projects above a Department's delegated authority require explicit Treasury approval.

Health

George Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any proposals to financially incentivise food and drink businesses which endorse Public Health Responsibility Deals.

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to introduce financial incentives for food and drink businesses which endorse public health responsibility deals; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: Over 550 public health, voluntary, public sector and commercial organisations have signed up to play their part in improving the public's health through the public health responsibility deal; helping people to adopt a healthier diet, fostering a culture of responsible drinking, increasing physical activity levels and improving the health of their staff.
	The Government has no proposals to provide specific financial incentives for responsibility deal partners.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to reply to the letter dated 30 May 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms P. Atkinson, transferred from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

David Gauke: I replied to the right hon. Member on 22 July 2013.

Minimum Wage

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many minimum wage compliance officers there are in HM Revenue and Customs.

David Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 10 June 2013, Official Report, column 35W.

Minimum Wage

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many instances of non-compliance with minimum wage were identified in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the last five years.

David Gauke: HMRC does not keep statistics at constituency level. I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 23 April 2013, Official Report, column 815W, for the number of non-compliant employers in the UK for the period requested.
	The number of non-compliant employers identified in Scotland for the period requested is in the following table:
	
		
			 Financial year Number of non-compliant employers in Scotland 
			 2008-09 175 
			 2009-10 145 
			 2010-11 95 
			 2011-12 72 
			 2012-13 83

Minimum Wage

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to increase the number of minimum wage compliance officers.

David Gauke: HMRC is planning an increase in the number of caseworkers, at higher officer level, that are available to carry out NMW compliance work.

Reservoirs

Julian Huppert: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason agricultural reservoirs were not included within the Annual Investment Allowance scheme.

Sajid Javid: The Annual Investment Allowance covers capital expenditure on plant and machinery. The UK capital allowances system does not generally provide relief for expenditure on buildings, structures or alterations to land.

Taxation: Betting Shops

Tom Clarke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much betting shops have paid in (a) VAT and (b) corporation tax in each year since 2003.

Sajid Javid: The information is not available. Corporation Tax records and VAT returns are not broken down to the level of detail required to identify VAT and Corporation Tax revenue from betting shops.

VAT

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the public purse of reducing VAT to five per cent on all hospitality, rooms, food and alcohol.

David Gauke: Based on ONS data from 2012, the revenue foregone by reducing VAT to 5% on all hospitality (which includes rooms, food and alcohol) would have an estimated cost of £11 billion to £12 billion a year to the Exchequer.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month.

Sajid Javid: This is a matter of public record.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Sajid Javid: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Leader of the House of Commons, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), on 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 649W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson).

TRANSPORT

A31

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Highways Agency will take action to facilitate access by mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs to the pavements at the junctions of St Leonard's Hospital with the A31 trunk road.

Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency has had discussions with Dorset County Council and agreed that the County Council will undertake work to the pavements at the junction of St Leonards Hospital with the A31 to facilitate access by mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. The County Council will prepare a scheme for delivery by March 2014 in partnership with St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Norman Baker: The information requested is in the table below. This covers the Department for Transport and its Executive Agencies.
	
		
			 During financial year (a) 30 days (b) 45 days (c) 60 days (d) 75 days (e) 90 days 
			 2010-11 224 89 66 37 51 
			 2011-12 167 60 39 25 25 
			 2012-13 114 30 14 4 17 
			 Note: Data for the MCA in 2010-11 and 2011-12 is an estimate.

Bus Services: Concessions

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on concessionary bus travel for (a) pensioners and (b) disabled people in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) Barnsley, (iii) South Yorkshire and (iv) England in each year since 2004-05.

Norman Baker: The Department does not have a concessionary travel spend breakdown by Parliamentary constituency or Metropolitan Borough. In addition, total spend cannot be split into older and disabled people sub-totals.
	Local Authorities who are Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) are responsible for administering concessionary travel and reimbursing bus operators. Annual TCA spend on concessionary travel can be found in table BUS0812 at the following link
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/concessionary-travel-statistics-england-2011-12-and-2012-13
	Prior to 2008, TCAs received funding for concessionary travel funding through the Department for Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) Formula Grant. This block grant was unhypothecated so it is not possible to identify how much funding was allocated to a local authority for a particular service such as concessionary travel.
	In 2008 the statutory minimum was extended to cover England-wide travel and the Department for Transport provided local authorities with a one off payment of £31 million for the re-issue of concessionary travel passes—of which South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive received £1.078 million. The Department also provided a portion of funding through a special grant to local authorities until 31 March 2011 for the increase cost of the extension to the scheme. The Special Grant funding was:
	£212 million in 2008/09
	£217 million in 2009/10;
	£223 million in 2010/11.
	Details of the overall Special Grant allocations covering the period concerned can be found at::
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0708/hc02/0256/0256.pdf
	and
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0910/hc03/0306/0306.pdf
	Since April 2011 all funding for the statutory England-wide travel concession has been provided through DCLG's Formula Grant. The overall amount of Formula Grant funding available for local government from 2011/12 has been set out in the relevant Spending Reviews.

Cycling

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate of future levels of bicycle use his Department used when predicting the future spending on roads in its recently published Roads Strategy.

Stephen Hammond: The Department's recent publication ‘Action for Roads’ focuses primarily on the Strategic Road Network and all evidence suggests that cycling, unlike other vehicle types, is concentrated on minor roads. Last year 101.8 billion vehicle miles were travelled on the SRN by motor vehicles, with less then 0.1 billion vehicle miles travelled by pedal cycles.
	However, cycling demand is factored in to the Department's National Transport Model (NTM), which is used to produce the traffic forecasts published alongside ‘Action for Roads’.
	Current assumptions on cycling trends used in the NTM are based on previous analysis carried in 2010-11, using National Transport Survey data, and include: 5% increase in trips up to 2015, a 7.5% increase for 2025 and a 10% increase for 2035.
	However, the Government is doing much to advance the traction of cycling uptake within the UK. On 12 August, the Prime Minister announced a £148 million investment in cycling between now and 2015, with £77 million of Government funding going to eight cities, £17 million going to four National Parks, and an additional £54 million of local investment.

Cycling

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what change there was in the number of miles cycled in 2012 compared with 2011 in (a) Barnsley, (b) Barnsley Central constituency, (c) South Yorkshire, (d) England and (e) the UK; and what assessment he has made of whether any such changes resulted from changes in the number of (i) people taking up cycling and (ii) trips by existing cyclists.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport publishes estimates for Great Britain residents of the average number of miles cycled per person per year in 2011 and 2012 from the National Travel Survey. In 2011, the average number of miles cycled per person per year was 49. In 2012 the average was 53 miles.
	The average distance travelled for cyclists who made at least one cycle trip during the week of their survey was 18 miles a week in 2011 and 20 miles a week in 2012.
	Estimates of cycling rates for local authorities are also published by the Department for Transport from the Active People Survey (APS), In 2010/11, 10 per cent of adults in Barnsley and 10 per cent of adults in South Yorkshire cycled at least once a month. In 2011/12 the figures were 9 per cent for Barnsley and 13 per cent for South Yorkshire. The average for England was 10 per cent in both 2010/11 and 2011/12.
	As with any sample surveys, results from the Active People Survey and the National Travel Survey have margins of error, and can be volatile from one year to the next. As a result, long-term trends are generally more reliable than single-year changes in survey statistics.
	The Department has made no other assessment of whether these trips are by people taking up cycling, or by existing cyclists.

Driving: Young People

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the RAC Foundation's report entitled Young Driver Safety Solutions to an Age-old Problem published in July 2013 and its conclusions on (a) a minimum learning period that contains requirements to drive in all conditions and (b) placing limitations on newly-qualified drivers.

Stephen Hammond: We intend to issue a green paper which will cover these issues later this year.

Ferries: Scotland

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions officials in his Department have had with their counterparts in Transport Scotland regarding his Department's policies on (a) procurement, (b) service levels, (c) passenger fares and (d) concessionary fare schemes in the ferries sector; and whether such meetings take place on a regular basis.

Stephen Hammond: The specification of subsidised ferry services in Scotland is a devolved matter. Notwithstanding that, the UK Government has overall responsibility for ensuring that the arrangements comply with EU rules on State Aids and relevant sectoral law: in this instance, maritime cabotage.
	Officials in the Department for Transport and their counterparts in Transport Scotland are in regular contact on matters of mutual interest but have held no recent discussions specifically on these matters. Exchanges between officials are generally by correspondence, usually by e-mail.

First Aid

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of staff at the Highways Agency and the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency are first aid-trained.

Stephen Hammond: 16.1% of VOSA staff and 39% of Highways Agency staff have first aid training.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been paid from the public purse to WS Atkins from contracts related to High Speed 2 since May 2010; and how much remains to be paid under uncompleted contracts.

Simon Burns: From May 2010 to date, spend including VAT on WS Atkins contracts for HS2 Ltd was £28,728,796 with a further contracted spend of £6,670,562.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) discussions and (b) correspondence Ministers of his Department have had with Ministers of the Scottish Government on the subject of High Speed 2; and if he will publish such correspondence.

Simon Burns: Ministers in the Department for Transport are in regular contact with the Scottish Government on a variety of matters; however, Ministers have not met with the Scottish Government regarding HS2. A meeting is currently being arranged between the Secretary of State for Transport and Keith Brown MSP to discuss HS2. The Department does not routinely publish ministerial correspondence.
	Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ministerial-transparency/#meetings

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many jobs have been created (a) directly and (b) indirectly by High Speed 2 to date; and how many such jobs will be created in (i) phase 1 and (ii) phase 2 of the project.

Simon Burns: HS2 Ltd currently directly employs the equivalent of 246 full-time members of the staff, by the end of 2013 this is expected to rise to over 500 full-time members of the staff. In addition, HS2 Ltd employs the equivalent of over 1,200 full-time contractors and a further 118 members of staff at the HS2 Ltd development partner. To date, HS2 Ltd's contractors have enabled over 800 graduate trainees and apprentices to work on the project.
	We expect HS2 Phase One to directly create 9,000 jobs in construction and 1,500 permanent jobs in operations and maintenance. Up to 30,000 indirect jobs are also expected to be supported by HS2 in station redevelopment areas in Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange and Birmingham Eastside.
	We expect HS2 Phase Two to directly create 10,000 jobs in construction and 1,400 permanent jobs in operations and maintenance. In addition, up to 70,000 indirect jobs will be supported around the proposed stations.
	Some regional groups foresee even higher levels of job creation. The Core Cities group predict that HS2 will actually underpin the delivery of 400,000 jobs within the cities and 1 million in the wider urban areas. Centro estimate that, in the West Midlands alone, HS2 could support a £1.5 billion increase in economic output, an extra 22,000 jobs and an average wage increase of £300 per worker per year.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) apprentices and (b) graduate trainees are working on High Speed 2 (HS2) in (i) his Department and (ii) HS2 Ltd.

Simon Burns: The Department has no apprentices working on HS2. Among the permanent DFT staff working on HS2, a number are recent graduates gaining early career development in this area, in addition three interns appointed under the Summer Diversity Internship scheme are working during summer 2013 in the HS2 team.
	HS2 Ltd is currently directly employing four apprentices and two graduate trainees, with its wider contractor base having already given over 800 graduate trainees and apprentices experience of working on HS2.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) feasibility study and (b) any value management studies for HS2 Ltd's option 8 design for Euston station.

Simon Burns: On 12 July 2013 my Department released a HS2 Ltd board paper which summarised the feasibility work on option 8 design for Euston station, in response to a Freedom of Information request. This can be accessed at:
	https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/159811/response/408426/attach/3/130711%200FOI%20F1%20FINAL.doc
	The design of Euston station was included in a recent design refinement consultation which closed on 11 July. Government is now considering the response to this consultation before deciding on whether to proceed with the proposed revision to the design of Euston station.

London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Line

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the current timetable is for the Essex Thameside franchise; and whether the tender process will include a commitment that all rolling stock will be of equal or better quality than at present.

Simon Burns: The competition to award the Essex Thameside franchise is in progress as per the schedule announced by the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the right hon. Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), on 26 March 2013, Official Report, columns 95-98WS. An Invitation to Tender (ITT) was issued to bidders in July with the new franchise start date planned for September 2014. The Department expects to specify minimum requirements for rolling stock on the Essex Thameside franchise and maintain existing levels of performance and customer satisfaction.

Railway Signals

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the role of signalling in achieving efficiencies in the rail sector.

Simon Burns: The Department supports Network Rail's deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), which will be progressively rolled out across their network. The Department's High Level Output Statement for Network Rail's Control Period for 2014-19 confirms our support for the efficiencies ERTMS will bring.
	In addition I am aware that Network Rail's operational strategy will rationalise signalling controls across their network, and that this will bring substantial additional efficiencies to signalling. The delivery of this strategy will be overseen by the independent regulator for rail, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

Railway Signals

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the recent steps taken by Network Rail to reduce delays caused by signal failures.

Norman Baker: Ministers regularly meet Network Rail and other industry bodies to discuss trends and issues concerning rail performance. While there are currently concerns about the reliability of some elements of the infrastructure, particularly on long-distance routes, the Department is not aware of a systematic problem relating to signal failures. Detailed ongoing assessment of Network Rail's performance and infrastructure management is a matter for the Office of Rail Regulation.

Rescue Services

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assets he has designated for search and rescue under section 2.5 of Annex 12 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and where each is located.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport can call upon a range of assets currently designated for search and rescue under 2.5 of Annex 12 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. These assets are set out in the following table:
	
		
			 Stornoway Airport Coastguard S92s 
			 Sumburgh Airport Coastguard S92s 
			 RAF Lossiemouth Sea Kings 
			 RAF Boulmer Sea Kings 
			 RAF station, Leconfield Sea Kings 
			 RAF station, Wattisham Sea Kings 
			 MCA Daedalus (Lee-on-Solent) Coastguard AW139s 
			 MCA Portland Coastguard AW139. 
			 RNAS Culdrose Sea Kings 
			 RAF station, Chivenor Sea Kings 
			 RAF Valley Sea Kings 
			 HMS Gannet Sea Kings 
		
	
	The Department can also call upon commercially operated fixed wing aircraft based at Inverness and East Midlands Airports and a military C-130 Hercules to support long range SAR operations.

Roads

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the new motorists' champion will provide a strong voice for non-motorised road users.

Stephen Hammond: As set out in “Action for Roads: a network for the 21st century”, published on 16 July, the Department is currently looking at options for establishing a motorists’ champion. The champion would provide a strong voice for all road users, hold the new strategic highways company to account and encourage the best performance and value for road users.

Severn River Crossing

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the life expectancy is of the original Severn Bridge.

Stephen Hammond: There is no specific life expectancy for the Severn Bridge. The bridge is regularly inspected, monitored and maintained by a dedicated team with the aim of keeping the condition of the structure in a steady state.

JUSTICE

Alternatives to Prosecution

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many out-of-court disposals for young people have been issued by type of disposal in each year from 2010 to date.

Jeremy Wright: The number of out of court disposals issued to juveniles (aged 10 to 17 years), by disposal type, in England and Wales, in each year from 2010 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in the table.
	The number of out of court disposals issued to juveniles (aged 10 to 17 years), fell by 42% between 2010 and 2012.
	Please note, the out-of-court disposal data in the table include cautions, penalty notice for disorders (PND) and cannabis warnings, however, cannabis warnings are only available for adults.
	
		
			 Juveniles (aged 10 to 17 years) issued an out of court disposal, by disposal type, England & Wales, 2010-12(1, 2, 3) 
			 Outcome 2010 2011 2012 
			 Cautioned 52,989 44,232 32,673 
			 Issued Penalty Notice for Disorder 10,018 7,308 3,663 
			 Total out of court disposals 63,007 51,540 36,336 
			 (1) The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When an offender has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. (2) From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice.

Apprentices

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many apprenticeships his Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010;
	(2)  what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what plans he has to promote such strategies.

Helen Grant: Under this Government, the number of apprenticeship opportunities in the Ministry of Justice has increased by 62%.
	From 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2013, my Department offered a total of 2,587 apprenticeship qualifications to the existing work force. The breakdown between years is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Staff taking apprenticeship qualifications 
			 2008-09 321 
			 2009-10 412 
			 2010-11 503 
			 2011-12 682 
			 2012-13 669 
			 Total 2,587 
		
	
	Information available on the ages of apprentices for 2012-13 is set out in the table. This age range data is aligned with Skills Funding Agency rules. For the period before April 2012, different ages, groups and funding rules applied. Therefore the information for the period 2010 to April 2012 is not centrally available and would require analysis of individual staff records, and incur disproportionate costs.
	
		
			 Age range Staff taking apprenticeship qualifications in 2012-13 
			 Under 19 0 
			 19-23 27 
			 24 and over 633 
			 Not known 9 
			 Total 669 
		
	
	The Ministry of Justice continues to work closely with the National Apprenticeship Service to maximise opportunities to support the use of apprenticeships within the Department.
	Internal processes for recruitment have been changed so that apprenticeships are an option to fill vacancies.
	The Ministry of Justice currently has one recruited apprentice with a further eleven due to start in September 2013 as part of the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme.
	The Ministry of Justice continues to encourage suppliers to recruit apprentices. Where relevant, a paragraph has been included in contracts requesting contractors to take all reasonable steps to ensure that up to 5% of all employees or staff working on the contract must be on an apprenticeship programme.

Billing

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque.

Helen Grant: The processing of payments of supplier invoices within the MOJ is undertaken by an in-house shared services organisation and an external supplier through a commercially negotiated contract for finance services. The two organisations calculate the average costs in different ways and so the resultant average costs are not directly comparable against each other.
	The data requested is shown in the table for the month of May 2013:
	
		
			  Average cost of processing a supplier invoice (£) Proportion of invoices paid electronically (%) Proportion of invoices paid by cheque (%) 
			 In-house shared service operation (direct labour costs only) 2.61 99.99 0.01 
			 External supplier of finance shared services (contractual rate) 5.19 91.04 8.96

Bribery Act 2010

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department plans to review the Bribery Act 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Green: The Government is not reviewing the Act itself but as part of the Government's continuing implementation of the Bribery Act, the Ministry of Justice in association with the Department of Business Innovation and Skills is working to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises fully understand how the Act and the guidance relate to their business.

Care Proceedings

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the care proceedings pilot at York County Court whereby proceedings are to be completed within 26 weeks; whether extraneous factors will be taken into account to allow for a delay where appropriate; what the national average length of time taken is for care proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: The pilot in question is a national one to implement a revised Public Law Outline (PLO) for care, supervision and other Part 4 proceedings. This is a key strand of the reforms to the family justice system and supports the introduction of a 26-week time limit in care and supervision proceedings. The lime limit is included in the Children and Families Bill, currently before Parliament, and the revised PLO will inform the necessary secondary legislation implementing the time limit.
	Piloting the revised PLO will assist key agencies in their preparations for the introduction of the primary legislation. Progress in implementing the revised PLO and its impact on court proceedings will be evaluated.
	The pilot is permissive in nature and areas can implement the new approach in a phased way from 1 July 2013, depending on local readiness. There is an expectation that all areas will implement the revised PLO by 7 October 2013.
	The York Local Family Justice Board have decided to implement the revised PLO from 1 July. They have also been selected to be one of the eight areas that will be evaluated during the pilot phase.
	The starting point for the court should always be that the proceedings should be disposed of without delay, and in any event within 26 weeks. However, the court will have the discretion to extend the case beyond the 26 time limit if it is considered that it is necessary to resolve the proceedings justly. The Family Procedure Rules Committee (FPRC) has been invited to consider whether it should make rules that the court should have regard to when deciding whether to grant an extension.
	The time taken for the disposal of a care or supervision order in January to March 2013 was an average of 42.2 weeks, down from 45.1 weeks in the previous quarter and down from 53.9 weeks in the same quarter in 2012. This is a reduction on the national average of 55 weeks when the Family Justice Review reported in November 2011. The average duration for care and supervision proceedings for York County Council in January to March 2013 was 25.6 weeks, down from 45.2 weeks in the same period in 2012.

Coroners

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions bodies of the deceased were not released by the coroner within 28 days of death in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.

Helen Grant: The Ministry of Justice publishes annual statistics on the work of coroners in England and Wales, including the time taken by coroners to issue disposal certificates, where the death occurred in England and Wales. The data are collected in three time-bands;
	‘One week or less’ (from the date the death was reported to the coroner);
	‘Over one week and up to one month’, and
	‘Over one calendar month’
	Data are recorded separately for cases where an inquest was opened, and for those where no inquest was held.
	In 2012, there were 384 cases where the disposal certificates were issued over one calendar month from the date the death was reported to the coroner (where no inquest was held). This comprised less than half of 1% of all non-inquest cases, and the percentage has remained stable over the last three years.
	There were also 1,197 cases where disposal certificates were issued over one calendar month from the date the death was reported to the coroner (where an inquest was opened); this was less than 4% of the total. This percentage has also been stable over the last three years.
	Information held by MoJ in relation to coroners is published at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coroners-statistics

Coroners

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many complaints his Department received about each local coroner in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.

Helen Grant: The information is as follows:
	1. The Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) considers complaints about the personal conduct or behaviour of coroners, but not deputy or assistant coroners who are employed by the appropriate local authority. The OJC is unable to release, or does not hold the information requested. While any disciplinary action taken against a coroner as a result of a complaint to the OJC is published on its website, it does not disclose information on complaints that are not upheld. Release of this information for each coroner district could lead to the identification of the coroner concerned and would be a breach of the Data Protection Act and the statutory duty for confidentiality under section 139 of the Constitutional Reform Act.
	2. The OJC does publish, in its annual reports, the total number of complaints made against coroners. The figures for the last three financial years are included in the following table:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2009-10 36 
			 2010-11 35 
			 2011-12 32

Courts: Closures

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many courts have been closed in each year since 1997; and how much these closures realised in (a) capital receipts and (b) revenue savings.

Helen Grant: The information is as follows.
	Number of court closures
	Table A shows details of the court closures within Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (including magistrates courts, county courts and Crown courts) since 1997.
	Up until 1 April 2005 magistrates courts were the responsibility of locally managed magistrates courts committees that were not required by statute to inform the Department of any magistrates courts closures that were not subject to an appeal under Section 56 (3) of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 (now repealed).
	In December 2010, Ministers announced the closure of 142 magistrates and county courts in England and Wales under the Court Estate Reform Programme (CHRP). To date 137 courts have closed, comprising of 89 magistrates courts and 48 county courts.
	
		
			 Table A: Court closures 
			  Number of court closures 
			 1997 30 
			 1998 31 
			 1999 10 
			 2000 17 
			 2001 31 
			 2002 9 
			 2003 13 
			 2004 2 
			 2005 0 
			 2006 2 
			 2007 3 
			 2008 2 
			 2009 1 
			 2010 22 
			 2011 121 
			 2012 14 
			 2013 5 
		
	
	Revenue Savings
	Prior to 2005 locally managed magistrates courts committees were responsible for managing magistrates courts and were not required by statute to inform the Department of any magistrates courts closures. We therefore do not have these figures for revenue savings for this period. Between 2005 and 2010 there were 25 courts closed outside of the Court Estate Reform Programme. These were delivered as part of new build schemes or implemented through business as usual and the Department is unable to obtain revenue savings without incurring disproportionate costs.
	As of 30 June 2013 the net revenue savings under CERP totalled £19.34 million. As of 6 August 2013 a total of 40 buildings have been sold so far attracting disposal receipts of £17.16 million. The total cumulative gross benefits are expected to be £99.2 million over the SR10 period. This consists of resource savings, including reduced property costs and pay bill savings resulting from court closures of £60.6 million, and gross capital proceeds of £38.6 million from the sale of buildings.
	Capital receipts
	
		
			 Table B: Capital receipts 
			  Number of disposals Capital receipts 
			 1997 4 2,019,000 
			 1998 6 460,100 
			 1999 5 1,723,000 
			 2000 6 5,752,018 
			 2001 7 8,302,061 
			 2002 1 255,164 
			 2003 1 756,076 
			 2004 2 58,322,633 
			 2005 1 275,000 
			 2006 3 6,625,258 
			 2007 7 11,023,475 
			 2008 6 1,692,914 
			 2009 7 12,021,783 
			 2010 8 2,832,328 
			 2011 9 3,314,504 
			 2012 28 41,172,411 
			 2013 7 3,026,410 
		
	
	Table B includes buildings disposed by HMCTS precursor agencies HM Courts Service (from 2005) and Courts Service (from 1997 to 2005), but excludes disposal receipts received by locally managed magistrates courts committees and various tribunal agencies. The table details receipts received by Her Majesty's Courts & Tribunals Service for disposal of operational and administrative buildings since 1997 through both court closures and other surplus courthouses delivered through new build or co-location schemes. Not all closed courts will generate capital receipts. A number of courts were retained for other uses, those that are on the market, or leasehold properties where the lease will have ended or been surrendered.

Courts: Crimes of Violence

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents of violence were recorded in (a) magistrates' courts and (b) Crown courts in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.

Helen Grant: The number of violent incidents reported in magistrates courts and Crown courts are as follows:
	
		
			  Magistrates court Crown court 
			 2010-11 107 23 
			 2011-12 112 11 
			 2012-13 83 17 
		
	
	My Department takes the security of all court users seriously and it is the policy of Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) that all security incidents are reported and investigated. All incidents involving violence are reported to the police for further investigation. The figures provided comprise reported incidents from the reporting years April to March and resulting in actual violence and include incidents between and against parties, court users and court staff and contractors. These figures do not include incidents of verbal abuse or verbal threats as they do not fall within the remit of the request.

Courts: York

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many victims of crime and witnesses were supported by the Witness Service at (a) York Crown Court and (b) York Magistrates' Court in each year since 2004-05.

Helen Grant: The Ministry of Justice does not routinely collect this data. Victim support holds these data only from 2009-10 to 2012-13.
	As part of its Grant in Aid to victim support, the Ministry of Justice requires the provision of a court based witness service. Victim support provides support to all witnesses who wish to receive it when attending court.
	
		
			  York Crown court York magistrates court 
			 2009-10 717 606 
			 2010-11 701 405 
			 2011-12 612 368 
			 2012-13 557 333 
		
	
	The figures correlate with a decrease in the business of the magistrates court.

Curfews

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offences have been committed by those on home detention curfews since 2008.

Jeremy Wright: Data on the criminal histories of offenders currently on Home Detention Curfews (HDC) are not held centrally in the same database and to answer this question in full would require a matching process between two different databases which due to its size and complexity will incur disproportionate cost.

Dangerous Dogs

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many dog owners have (a) been ordered to muzzle their dog, (b) received a custodial sentence for possession of a prohibited dog, (c) received a community sentence for possession of an out of control dog and (d) been banned from keeping a dog in each region of England in each of the last five years.

Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for possession of a prohibited dog, in England by region from 2008 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in Table 1.
	The number of offenders sentenced at all courts to a community sentence for offences relating to out of control dogs, in England by region from 2008 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in Table 2.
	Information on dog owners ordered to muzzle their dog, or where a ban from keeping a dog is part of an offenders sentence, is not collated centrally. This information may be held on court files, which could be collated only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 Table 1: Offenders sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for possession of a prohibited dog(1), in England by regions, 2008 to 2012(2,3) 
			 Regions 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 North East 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North West 2 3 2 1 0 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 0 0 0 1 1 
			 East Midlands 0 0 0 0 0 
			 West Midlands 0 0 1 0 0 
			 East of England 0 0 0 0 0 
			 London 2 2 0 3 1 
			 South East 0 0 0 0 1 
			 South West 0 0 0 0 1 
			 (1) An offence under s.1(3) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Offenders sentenced at all courts to a community sentence for offences relating to out of control dogs, in England by regions, 2008 to 2012(1,2) 
			 Offence Region 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place(3) North East 5 5 2 8 2 
			  North West 27 16 24 35 31 
			  Yorkshire and Humberside 8 10 18 11 16 
			  East Midlands 7 5 15 10 16 
			  West Midlands 9 11 2 10 16 
			  East of England 3 3 12 12 15 
			  London 23 22 43 23 44 
			  South East 7 6 11 10 13 
			  South West 6 5 11 7 6 
			        
			 Allowing dog to enter a non-public place and injuring any person/causing reasonable apprehension of injury(4) North East 0 0 1 0 0 
			  North West 1 2 3 0 0 
			  Yorkshire and Humberside 1 3 3 1 1 
			  East Midlands 0 0 0 0 1 
			  West Midlands 0 0 1 0 1 
			  East of England 0 1 2 1 0 
			  London 3 1 4 0 1 
			  South East 0 1 0 0 0 
			  South West 0 0 0 1 1 
			 (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Includes the following offences under s.3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Allowing dog to be dangerously out of control in public place so subsequently causing injury Owner/person in charge of dog dangerously out of control in a public place—no injury (4) Includes the following offences under s.3(3) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Allowing dog to enter non-public place, and subsequently cause injury Owner allowing dog to enter non-public place causing reasonable apprehension of injury Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Devolution

Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will place in the Library any concordats which his Department or the public bodies for which he is responsible have with the devolved administrations.

Helen Grant: The Memorandum of Understanding and Supplementary Agreements, agreed in September 2012, set out principles which underlie the relationship between the UK Government and the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These documents are available in the Library.
	A concordat existed between the former Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Scottish Government. The Ministry of Justice does not have any concordats with the devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, although we are in the process of negotiating a concordat with the Welsh Government.
	The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has a bilateral agreement with the Scottish Government. The National Archives has a concordat with the Welsh Government. The Information Commissioner has a bilateral agreement with the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland. The Law Commission has a bilateral agreement with the Welsh Government. I will arrange for these documents to be placed in the Library of the House. This answer assumes that service level agreements fall outside the scope of the question.

Domestic Violence

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many incidents of violence involving members of families of defendants were recorded in magistrates' courts in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012;
	(2)  how many incidents of violence there were in magistrates' courts that involved the family of defendants in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012;
	(3)  how many incidents of violence there were in Crown courts that involved the family of defendants in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.

Helen Grant: Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) do not maintain records detailing whether an incident of violence has involved the family of the defendant for the period detailed above.
	I refer the right hon. Member to the response given to his PQ 164576.

Driving under Influence: Drugs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many people have been convicted of driving under the influence of illegal substances in the UK in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many people have been convicted of driving under the influence of illegal substances in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last five years.

Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants found guilty at all courts for driving under the influence of illegal substances in the England and Wales in each of the last five years, can be viewed in table 1.
	Data for Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for the Scottish Government and the Department of Justice Northern Ireland.
	Havering has merged with Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham to form North East London from 1 January 2012. The information provided in table 2 shows the number of defendants found guilty at magistrates courts for driving under the influence of illegal substances in the Havering local justice area for each year between 2008 and 2011, and in the North East London local justice area in the year 2012 (latest data available).
	
		
			 Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of driving under influence of illegal substances(1), England and Wales, 2008 to 2012(2,3) 
			  Proceeded against Found guilty 
			 2008(4) 76,431 73,155 
			 2009 72,694 69,579 
			 2010 57,109 54,505 
			 2011 53,988 51,609 
			 2012 53,758 51,131 
			 (1) Includes the following offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988: Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drink Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drink Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a breath, blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit In charge of a motor vehicle while having a breath, blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit Failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of breath for a preliminary test Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle and failing to without a reasonable excuse provide a specimen for a laboratory test or 2 specimens for analysis of breath In charge of a motor vehicle and failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two specimens for analysis of breath Failing to allow specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory test: (a) driving or attempting to drive, (b) all other cases. (2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected Is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates' court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice 
		
	
	
		
			 Defendants proceeded against and found guilty at magistrates courts of driving under the influence of illegal substances(1), Havering local justice area(2), 2008 to 2011(3), and North East London local justice area, 2012 
			  Proceeded against Found guilty 
			 2008 324 313 
			 2009 322 312 
			 2010 265 256 
			 2011 176 166 
			 2012(2) 656 611 
			 (1) Includes the following offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988: Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drink Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while unfit lo drive through drink or drugs—Drink Being in charge of mechanically propelled vehicle while until to drive through drink or drugs—Drugs Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a breath, blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit In charge of a motor vehicle white having a breath, blood or urine alcohol concentration in excess of the prescribed limit Failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of breath for a preliminary test Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle and failing to without a reasonable excuse provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two specimens for analysis of breath In charge of a motor vehicle and failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen for a laboratory test or two specimens for analysis of breath Failing to allow specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory test: a) driving or attempting to drive, b) all other cases. (2) Havering has merged with Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham to form North East London from 1st January 2012 (3) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (5) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice.

Driving under Influence: Drugs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department has taken to introduce tougher sentences for those caught driving under the influence of illegal substances.

Jeremy Wright: The Crime and Courts Act 2013 created the offence of driving with a specified controlled drug in the body above a specified limit. The existing offence of driving whilst impaired through drugs (section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) is difficult to enforce due to the need to show that the driver was impaired and the impairment was due to a drug. The maximum penalty for the new drug driving offence is the same as that for the current drug driving offence (and drink driving): this remains at six months imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 and disqualification. However this offence is designed to increase the likelihood of conviction of those who drive under the influence of drugs, thereby enabling the court to punish these drivers. Where culpable poor driving is involved, and death or injury are caused, a range of more serious offences may be charged, with long terms of imprisonment available.

Exhumation

Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many exhumation licences were issued for archaeological excavations in each year since 1 January 2007; how many such applications were refused; and for what reason each such application was refused;
	(2)  on how many occasions his Department has withdrawn and not reissued exhumation licences as a sole consequence of errors by officials in his Department since 1 January 2007;
	(3)  how many exhumation licences his Department has issued in each year since 1 January 2007; and what proportion of such licences did not relate to exhumations within public cemeteries.

Helen Grant: The number of licences to exhume single sets of buried human remains and to exhume buried human remains for archaeological purposes issued in each year since 2007 are set out in the following table. We are not aware that the Department has withdrawn any exhumation licences because of errors by officials without subsequently issuing a correct licence to replace the defective one.
	
		
			  Single exhumation licences Archaeological exhumation licences 
			 2007 991 68 
			 2008 1,050 162 
			 2009 1,081 200 
			 2010 1,032 207 
			 2011 1,019 194 
			 2012 927 242 
			 2013 (at 9 July 2013) 519 109 
		
	
	It would not be possible to identify whether or not each licence related to a public cemetery without incurring disproportionate cost as each licence would need to be checked.
	Archaeological licence applications are not refused unless the application is to exhume from a former burial ground to enable development work to take place, in which case there will instead be an order issued under the Disused Burial Grounds Act 1884 and the Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment) Act 1981, or where the remains are to be exhumed from consecrated ground and reinterred within consecrated ground in which case authority from the Church of England in the form of a Faculty is required instead. We do not keep records of the number of these cases.

Fines

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many fines were (a) issued by the courts and (b) collected in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.

Helen Grant: The numbers of financial imposition accounts opened, and closed along with the values imposed and collected and the total collections are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of financial imposition accounts opened April to March Number of financial impositions that were opened in the period April to March that were closed in the same period Value of financial impositions April to March (£) Value of financial impositions that were imposed April to March that were collected in the same period (£) Total value of financial impositions collected in the year regardless of date imposed 
			 2010-11 (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 282,375,257 
			 2011-12 1,189,323 485,304 309,152,830 147,285,715 279,310,438 
			 2012-13 1.122,871 459.411 401,895.898 155,752,883 284,505,025 
			 (1) Data not available 
		
	
	Financial impositions include fines imposed in the magistrates and Crown courts, costs orders, compensation orders, victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder which are registered as fines for enforcement. The numbers of accounts closed and the value collected in the same period of imposition is the position as at the end of March of the year specified and those accounts/amounts outstanding at the end of the period could now have been closed or collected. Accounts that were still outstanding at the end of a period include those that were being paid by instalments or were not due for payment by the end of the year. Accounts that are closed are accounts with a zero balance which could have been by payment or administrative or legal cancellation.
	Data are not available for opened and closed in the same year pre-April 2011 as these data are taken from management information reports which only came into force in April 2011.
	HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide.

Food

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of all food procured for his Department was sourced from (a) British producers, (b) small and medium-sized enterprises and (c) producers which met British buying standards in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jeremy Wright: The proportion of all food (by value) procured through the Ministry of Justice Foodstuff Contracts for the provision of foodstuff to prisoners and prison staff sourced from (a) British producers for which figures are available is 46% or £27.5 million extrapolated over a 12-month period; (b) small and medium-sized enterprises for which figures are available is 51% or £25.7 million extrapolated over a 12-month period and (c) producers which met British buying standards in the latest period for which figures are available is 100% or £60 million per annum.
	The data set used to inform this figure has been calculated using actual sales data against the current MOJ foodstuff contracts for the provision of prisoner food during the quarter period October 2012 to January 2013.

Green Planning Solutions

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what funding (a) his Department and (b) the Legal Services Commission has provided to Green Planning Solutions in the last five years.

Helen Grant: There have been no payments made by the Ministry of Justice or the Legal Aid Agency to Green Planning Solutions in the last five years.

Housing: Forfeiture

Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many applications for the forfeiture of leasehold residential property were made to the courts in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many such applications were successful.

Helen Grant: The number of applications for the forfeiture of leasehold residential property and how many such applications were successful are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Human Trafficking

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many human trafficking convictions were recorded on a principal offence basis only in 2012.

Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty at all courts of human trafficking offences, in England and Wales, in 2012, can be viewed in the table.
	
		
			 Offenders found guilty at all courts of human trafficking offences, England and Wales, 2012(1, 2) 
			 Offence Number 
			 Arrange/facilitate arrival into the UK of a person for sexual exploitation (trafficking)(3) 7 
			 Arrange/facilitate travel within the UK of a person for sexual exploitation (trafficking)(4) 3 
			 Arrange/facilitate the departure from the UK of a person for sexual exploitation (trafficking)(5) — 
			 Trafficking persons into the UK for the purpose of exploitation(6) 2 
			 Trafficking persons within the UK for the purpose of exploitation(7) — 
			 Trafficking persons out of the UK for the purpose of exploitation(8) — 
			 Knowingly holding a person in slavery or servitude(9) 1 
		
	
	
		
			 Knowingly require another person to perform forced/compulsory labour(10) — 
			 ‘—’ = Nil (1) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) An offence under S57 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (4) An offence under S58 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (5) An offence under S59 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (6) An offence under S4(1) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (7 )An offence under S4(2) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (8) An offence under S4(3) Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (9) An offence under Section 71(1)(a) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009—took effect 6 April 2010 (10) An offence under Section 71(1)(b) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009—took effect 6 April 2010 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Human Trafficking

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 110W, on human trafficking, in what ways publishing the county in which a victim has been found could result in such a victim being rediscovered by their trafficker; and how many victims of trafficking have been placed in a Salvation Army shelter situated in the same county as the one in which they were first discovered.

Helen Grant: As explained in my answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 110W, the identification of potential victims of trafficking, including where they have been found, is a role undertaken by the National Referral Mechanism which is operated by the UK Human Trafficking Centre. The Salvation Army collects information on the organisation or agency that discovered the victim and made a referral to the Salvation Army. Publishing information more detailed than the region could put both the rescued victim and any other victims harboured by their trafficker in danger. It would also inform the traffickers that the authorities are undertaking law enforcement activity in those areas.
	In the interests of victim safety and confidentiality, the Ministry of Justice cannot provide information about the work of the 12 shelters that are contracted by the Salvation Army to provide accommodation and assistance.

ICT

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) computers, (b) mobile telephones, (c) BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT equipment were lost or stolen from his Department in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Grant: Details of (a) computers, (b) mobile phones, (c) BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT equipment lost or stolen from the Ministry of Justice in (i) 2010-11 (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13 are supplied in the table. Information on the number of (b) mobile telephones lost or stolen is not held centrally, and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 Number 
			 IT equipment lost/stolen 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 (a) Computers (PCs and laptops) 84 55 57 
			 (b) Mobile telephones (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 (c) Blackberrys 56 28 164 
			 (d) Other pieces of IT equipment (RSA/RAS secure ID tokens, Becrypt encryption tokens and removable media) 183 184 198 
			 (1) Not held centrally. 
		
	
	The aggregate number of users of PCs, laptops and BlackBerrys in the Department is c. 77,000. Over recent years the Department has increased the number of BlackBerrys issued to staff.
	All Ministry of Justice laptops and BlackBerrys are encrypted and protected with a complex password; and all BlackBerrys that are registered as lost or stolen are blocked remotely, making it impossible for them to be used. The Ministry also implements security incident management procedures to ensure that the impacts of incidents are risk managed and investigations are undertaken to seek, and where possible retrieve, lost or stolen assets.
	The Ministry adopts government security policy framework requirements to securely protect its assets. Clear processes are in place for notification of any loss, including reporting it to the police. The compliance of staff with policy and guidance is a line management responsibility, and in the event of any breach, disciplinary action may be taken. Specific sanction is applied to the removal of unencrypted laptops or other official IT equipment containing personal or protectively-marked data from a secure location and in the event of this occurring disciplinary action will be taken which may result in dismissal.

Independent Monitoring Boards

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what proportion of members of independent monitoring boards fell within the age range (a) 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 and (f) over 70 in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(2)  what proportion of members of independent monitoring boards fell in each ethnic category in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(3)  what proportion of members of independent monitoring boards were (a) women and (b) men in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(4)  what information his Department holds on the socio-economic background of members of independent monitoring boards.

Jeremy Wright: As at 17 July 2013 there were 1,697 independent monitoring board members.
	166257
	The following table sets out the proportion of members of independent monitoring boards who were aged (a) 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 40, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 and (f)over 70 as at 17 July 2013.
	
		
			 Age range Percentage of 1,687 members 
			 20 to 30 3.12 
			 31 to 40 3.83 
			 41 to 50 7.25 
			 51 to 60 16.15 
			 61 to 70 49.44 
			 Over 70 20.21 
		
	
	166258
	The following table sets out the proportion of members of independent monitoring boards in each ethnic category as at 17 July 2013.
	
		
			 Ethnic origin Percentage of 1,687 members 
			 01—White English 81.44 
			 04—White Irish 0.06 
			 05—White Scottish 0.18 
			 06—White Welsh 0.06 
			 11—Black 0.47 
			 12—Black African 1.06 
			 13—Black Caribbean 1.00 
			 14—Black Other 0.11 
			 21—Asian 1.24 
			 22—Asian Bangladeshi 0.06 
			 23—Asian Indian 0.88 
			 24—Asian Pakistani 0.53 
			 25—Chinese 0.18 
			 31—Mixed Asian and White 0.47 
			 32—Mixed Black African and White 0.18 
		
	
	
		
			 33—Mixed Black Caribbean and White 0.12 
			 34—Other Mixed Ethnic Background 0.12 
			 36—Other Ethnic Background 0.29 
			 37—Undeclared 9.78 
			 99—White British or Mixed British 1.77 
		
	
	166259
	The following table sets out the proportion of members of independent monitoring boards who were (a) women and (b) men as at 17 July 2013.
	
		
			 Gender Percentage of 1,697 members 
			 Female 50.8 
			 Male 49.2 
		
	
	166260
	The information cannot be provided. The Department does not hold information on the socio-economic background of members of independent monitoring boards.

Legal Aid Scheme

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how much has been spent on (a) civil and (b) criminal legal aid in (i) cash and (ii) real terms in each of the last 20 years;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of people with cases before (a) civil and (b) criminal courts received legal aid in each of the last 20 years.

Jeremy Wright: The amount spent on (a) civil and (b) criminal legal aid in (i) cash (i.e. net of operating receipts) and (ii) real terms in each of the last 20 years is shown in the following tables.
	The LAA does not record the number of people who receive legal aid. Instead it records the number of ‘acts of assistance’. One individual may receive a number of separate acts of assistance, and one act of assistance can help more than one person. As the categorisation of legal aid has changed over the last 20 years, acts of assistance relating to representation in court cannot be accurately compared over time. Instead the Legal Aid Agency has provided the total acts of assistance relating to civil and criminal cases. The information is available from 1995 onwards.
	
		
			 Spend Actual 
			 £ million 
			  1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 
			 Civil 682 730 775 808 791 844 768 791 734 508 
			 Crime 528 568 616 669 734 779 783 873 982 1,096 
			 Total 1,210 1,298 1,391 1,477 1,525 1,623 1,551 1,664 1,716 1,909 
		
	
	
		
			  2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Civil 89H 845 831 809 844 913 942 969 951 944 
			 Crime 1,179 1,192 1,197 1,171 1,179 1,187 1,207 1,165 1,089 1,034 
			 Total 2,077 2,037 2,028 1,980 2,023 2,100 2,149 2,134 2,040 1,978 
		
	
	
		
			 Spend Real (2011-12 prices) 
			 £ million 
			  1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 
			  2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Civil 1,023 1,079 1,115 1,128 1,083 1,132 1,012 1,036 944 1,020 
			 Crime 791 940 886 934 1,005 1,045 1,032 1,144 1,263 1,375 
			 Total 1,655 1,919 2,002 2,062 2,087 2,176 2,043 2,180 2,206 2,395 
			 Civil 1,102 1,007 968 918 935 984 1000 1,002 963 944 
			 Crime 1,447 1,421 1,395 1,329 1,306 1,280 1,282 1,204 1,103 1,034 
			 Total 2,549 2,428 2,364 2,247 2,240 2,264 2,282 2,206 2,066 1,978 
		
	
	
		
			 Acts of assistance 
			 Million 
			  1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 
			 Civil 1.52 1.51 1.52 1.46 1.51 1.09 1.01 1.01 0.92 0.87 
			 Crime 1.75 1.79 1.88 1.87 1.87 2.01 1.77 1.64 1.67 1.58 
			 Total 3.27 3.31 3.40 3.34 3.38 3.10 2.78 2.66 2.59 2.46 
		
	
	
		
			  2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Civil 0.99 1.08 1.01 1.58 1.43 1.25 1.09 0.93 
			 Crime 1.62 1.60 1.50 1.28 1.53 1.47 1.39 1.36 
			 Total 2.61 2.69 2.51 2.86 2.97 2.71 2.48 2.28

Legal Aid Scheme

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his proposed new arrangements for criminal legal aid will apply to children.

Jeremy Wright: The proposed changes to criminal legal aid do not affect a child's eligibility for legal aid where they have been accused of a crime.
	Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid via the Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a more credible and efficient system consultation. This included a proposed model of competitive tendering for criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including nearly £1 billion of taxpayers' money spent on criminal legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for the taxpayer.
	The proposed changes to criminal legal aid would affect the way services are procured and delivered for all criminal legal aid recipients, but would not affect a child's eligibility for criminal legal aid. Therefore, where necessary, children would continue to be eligible for criminal legal aid as now. The only proposal which would affect the scope of criminal legal aid is the proposal relating to legal aid for prison law cases. The proposed change would apply to all prisoners, including those under eighteen years of age.
	We are now carefully considering all responses with a view to publishing the Government response in the autumn.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent representations he has received on the potential effects of reforms to legal aid on victims of trafficking and domestic violence.

Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal aid: delivering a more credible and efficient system” consultation.
	We received approximately 16,000 responses to the consultation. Figures will be approximate until the logging process has been completed. A number of these responses addressed the potential effects of our proposed reforms on victims of trafficking and domestic violence.
	We are currently analysing responses and will consider carefully points raised during the consultation in respect of the impact of our proposals, including representations received on the potential effects on victims of trafficking and domestic violence.

Legal Aid Scheme

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) average and (b) range of time it has taken the Legal Aid Agency to make a decision following an application for exceptional case funding has been since 1 April 2013.

Jeremy Wright: To date, the average time it has taken the Legal Aid Agency to make a decision following an application for exceptional case funding, since 1 April 2013, is just under four days.
	The range of time it has taken to make a decision is between one and 20 days depending upon the complexity of the case. All new applications for exceptional case funding have a target rate of 20 days. Applications for a review of an exceptional case determination have a target of 10 days. These targets have been met to date.
	Exceptional funding is available where a case is excluded from the scope of civil legal aid as defined in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

Magistrates

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many magistrates there were in (a) total and (b) each local court area in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012.

Helen Grant: As of 1 April there were 23,499 magistrates in 2013 respectively. Further information can be found in the table provided. We are only able to provide information on the total number of magistrates in England and Wales.
	This information can be found in table 8.4 of Court Statistics Quarterly for January to March 2013:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/court-statistics-quarterly-jan-mar-2013
	
		
			 The Magistracy 
			 (a) Justices of the Peace, by sex, 1 April 2006-2013 
			  Men Women Total 
			 2006 14,519 14,346 28,865 
			 2007 15,007 14,809 29,816 
			 2008 14,672 14,747 29,419 
			 2009 14,472 14,798 29,270 
			 2010 14,067 14,540 28,607 
			 2011 13,186 13,780 26,966 
			 2012 11,822 12,445 24,267 
			 2013 11,342 12,157 23,499 
		
	
	
		
			 Advisory Committee Total 
			 2010  
			 Avon 318 
			 Barnsley 112 
			 Batley and Dewsbury 95 
			 Bedfordshire 306 
			 Berkshire 374 
			 Birmingham 424 
			 Bolton 196 
			 Bradford 278 
			 Bristol 308 
			 Buckinghamshire 370 
			 Bury 184 
			 Calderdale 145 
			 Cambridgeshire 328 
			 Carmarthenshire 129 
			 Ceredigion 51 
			 Cheshire 480 
			 Cities of Westminster and London 433 
			 Clwyd 309 
			 Cornwall 196 
			 Coventry 211 
			 Cumbria 270 
			 Derbyshire 411 
			 Devon 343 
			 Doncaster 180 
			 Dorset 325 
			 Dudley 175 
			 Durham 303 
			 East Sussex 402 
			 Essex 592 
			 Gateshead 128 
			 Gloucestershire 263 
			 Gwent 320 
			 Gwynedd 105 
			 Hampshire 714 
			 Hereford and Worcester 502 
			 Hertfordshire 474 
			 Huddersfield 95 
			 Humberside 279 
			 Isle of Wight 69 
			 Keighley 118 
			 Kent 908 
			 Kingston Upon Hull 164 
			 Knowsley 81 
			 Lancashire 1,143 
		
	
	
		
			 Leeds District 423 
			 Leicester 306 
			 Leicestershire 225 
			 Lincolnshire 341 
			 Liverpool 295 
			 Manchester 404 
			 Mid Glamorgan 258 
			 Newcastle Upon Tyne 228 
			 Norfolk 402 
			 North Cleveland 86 
			 North East London 651 
			 North Sefton 79 
			 North Tyneside 155 
			 North West London 805 
			 North Yorkshire 395 
			 Northamptonshire 415 
			 Northumberland 183 
			 Nottingham 442 
			 Nottinghamshire 237 
			 Oldham 174 
			 Oxfordshire 316 
			 Pembroke 62 
			 Plymouth 151 
			 Pontefract 85 
			 Powys 86 
			 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 166 
			 Rotherham 108 
			 Salford 168 
			 Sandwell 213 
			 Sheffield 309 
			 Shropshire 229 
			 Solihull 165 
			 Somerset 241 
			 South Cleveland 324 
			 South East London 605 
			 South Glamorgan 335 
			 South Sefton 130 
			 South Tyneside 133 
			 South West London 751 
			 St. Helens 140 
			 Staffordshire 520 
			 Stockport 171 
			 Suffolk 261 
			 Sunderland 188 
			 Surrey 366 
			 Sutton Coldfield 129 
			 Tameside 163 
			 Trafford 143 
			 Wakefield 96 
			 Walsall 143 
			 Warwickshire 220 
			 West Glamorgan 225 
			 West Sussex 339 
			 Wigan and Leigh 186 
			 Wiltshire 255 
			 Wirral 230 
			 Wolverhampton 140 
			 Total 28,607 
			   
			 2011  
			 Avon 314 
			 Barnsley 111 
			 Batley and Dewsbury 92 
			 Bedfordshire 274 
			 Berkshire 374 
		
	
	
		
			 Birmingham and Heart of England 882 
			 Black Country 609 
			 Bolton 182 
			 Bradford 273 
			 Bristol 302 
			 Buckinghamshire 338 
			 Bury 174 
			 Calderdale 139 
			 Cambridgeshire 304 
			 Carmarthenshire 126 
			 Ceredigion 45 
			 Cheshire 482 
			 Cities of Westminster and London 436 
			 Cleveland 388 
			 Cornwall 189 
			 Cumbria 261 
			 Derbyshire 422 
			 Devon 313 
			 Doncaster 175 
			 Dorset 318 
			 Durham 292 
			 East Sussex 374 
			 Essex 567 
			 Gateshead 117 
			 Gloucestershire 258 
			 Gwent 300 
			 Hampshire 699 
			 Hereford and Worcester 496 
			 Hertfordshire 458 
			 Huddersfield 90 
			 Humberside 286 
			 Isle of Wight 67 
			 Keighley 110 
			 Kent 881 
			 Kingston Upon Hull 157 
			 Lancashire 1,117 
			 Leeds District 415 
			 Leicester 299 
			 Leicestershire 212 
			 Lincolnshire 329 
			 Manchester 374 
			 Merseyside 279 
			 Mid and South Glamorgan 541 
			 Newcastle Upon Tyne 205 
			 Norfolk 375 
			 North East London 668 
			 North Tyneside 152 
			 North Wales 406 
			 North West London 829 
			 North Yorkshire 376 
			 Northamptonshire 357 
			 Northumberland 188 
			 Nottingham 418 
			 Nottinghamshire 226 
			 Oldham 164 
			 Oxfordshire 273 
			 Pembroke 59 
			 Plymouth 151 
			 Pontefract 79 
			 Powys 83 
			 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 152 
			 Rotherham 109 
			 Salford 160 
			 Sheffield 297 
			 Shropshire 229 
		
	
	
		
			 Somerset 229 
			 South East London 602 
			 South Tyneside 127 
			 South West London 757 
			 Staffordshire 494 
			 Stockport 163 
			 Suffolk 247 
			 Sunderland 198 
			 Surrey 359 
			 Tameside 157 
			 Trafford 136 
			 Wakefield 90 
			 Warwickshire 217 
			 West Glamorgan 219 
			 West Sussex 335 
			 Wigan and Leigh 186 
			 Wiltshire 253 
			 Total 26,966 
			   
			 2012  
			 Avon and Somerset 521 
			 Bedfordshire 248 
			 Berkshire 333 
			 Birmingham and Heart of England 798 
			 Black Country 558 
			 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 541 
			 Cambridgeshire 267 
			 Central and South London 897 
			 Cheshire 452 
			 Cleveland 346 
			 Cumbria 230 
			 Derbyshire 411 
			 Devon and Cornwall 500 
			 Dorset 286 
			 Durham 272 
			 Dyfed Powys 273 
			 Essex 518 
			 Gloucestershire 220 
			 Greater Manchester 1,312 
			 Gwent 291 
			 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 723 
			 Hertfordshire 446 
			 Humber 410 
			 Kent 828 
			 Lancashire 1,080 
			 Leicestershire and Rutland 393 
			 Lincolnshire 305 
			 London West 1,040 
			 Merseyside 769 
			 Mid and South Glamorgan 489 
			 Norfolk 353 
			 North and East London 963 
			 North Wales 397 
			 North Yorkshire 344 
			 Northamptonshire 341 
			 Northumbria 817 
			 Nottinghamshire 583 
			 South Yorkshire 628 
			 Staffordshire 438 
			 Suffolk 225 
			 Surrey 340 
			 Sussex 664 
			 Warwickshire 204 
			 West Glamorgan 210 
			 West Mercia 684 
		
	
	
		
			 West Yorkshire 1,077 
			 Wiltshire 242 
			 Total 24,267 
			 Note: Between 2010 and 2012, Advisory Committees throughout England and Wales restructured, with some areas merging to create a new Advisory Committee covering a larger geographical area.

Mobile Phones

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which companies supply (a) mobile telephones and (b) mobile data services to his Department.

Helen Grant: The suppliers to the Ministry of Justice for the provision of (a) mobile telephones are Vodafone Ltd UK, O2 and EE Ltd, and for (b) mobile data services are Vodafone Ltd UK, EE Ltd, Message 4 u and Textmagic.

Oakwood Prison

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the certified normal accommodation for HM Prison Oakwood has been in each month since it first opened; and how many offenders have been held in the prison in each month since it first opened.

Jeremy Wright: The opening and full occupation of HM Prison Oakwood, which is by far the largest new prison to be built in recent years, was delivered safely and on schedule. The rate at which prisoners were received was agreed between the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and G4S, the prison's operator. This was to ensure that the prison opened in a safe a secure way, maintaining good order and control and recognising that HM Prison Oakwood was a newly-built prison with newly-recruited and trained staff. As a result, it was agreed between NOMS and G4S that the increase of capacity and prisoners would be kept under review and would be slowed or stopped if there were considerations about safety or security. Full operational capacity was available from January 2013.
	The following table shows the total in-use certified normal accommodation, operational capacity and population of HMP Oakwood, as at the last working Friday in each month since its opening on 24 April 2012. Individual prison population and capacity information is published monthly via the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison-population-figures
	
		
			 Total in-use certified normal accommodation, operational capacity and population of HMP Oakwood between April 2012 and June 2013 
			  In-use certified normal accommodation Operational capacity Population 
			 2012    
			 April 25 25 17 
			 May 160 160 93 
			 June 363 363 330 
			 July 675 675 598 
			 August 1,050 1,050 711 
			 September 1,365 1,365 915 
			 October 1,365 1,365 969 
			 November 1,365 1,365 1,112 
			 December 1,365 1,365 1,214 
			     
		
	
	
		
			 2013    
			 January 1,605 1,605 1,346 
			 February 1,605 1,605 1,503 
			 March 1,605 1,605 1,561 
			 April 1,605 1,605 1,554 
			 May 1,605 1,605 1,584 
			 June 1,605 1,605 1,593 
			 Note: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible error with data entry and processing.

Offender Rehabilitation Bill (HL)

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he intends to release his Department's impact assessment of the Offender Rehabilitation Bill.

Jeremy Wright: On 20 June 2013, the Ministry of Justice published an updated impact assessment of the Offender Rehabilitation Bill. The impact assessment is available online at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/208171/updated-rehabilitation-bill-impact-assessment.pdf

Offenders

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether people who are sentenced to less than 12 months imprisonment and who are subsequently released are subject to licence conditions in England and Wales.

Jeremy Wright: Adult offenders who are sentenced to immediate custody for a period of less than 12 months are not subject to release on licence, apart from those who are released on home detention curfew prior to their automatic release date. Young adult offenders serving sentences of detention in a young offenders institute are subject to three months' supervision on licence following release. All young offenders serving detention and training orders are subject to supervision on licence when released.
	On 9 May we published “Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy for Reform”, in which we set out our intention that all offenders leaving prison, including those sentenced to less than 12 months in custody, will now spend a minimum of 12 months being supervised and rehabilitated in the community. We have introduced provisions in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill to this effect.

Offenders

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice who is responsible for the statutory supervision of people who are sentenced to periods of 12 months imprisonment and who are subsequently released in England and Wales.

Jeremy Wright: Probation trusts and youth offending teams are currently responsible for supervising offenders released from custody on licence. On 9 May we published “Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy for Reform”. Once these reforms are implemented, offenders released on licence will be supervised either by contracted rehabilitation providers or by the new national probation service.

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the proposals outlined on page 23 of Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy for Reform, what training private sector employees will receive in respect of suitability for dealing with (a) breach of community orders and (b) recall to prison.

Jeremy Wright: ‘Transforming Rehabilitation: a Strategy for Reform’, sets out the plans for transforming the way in which offenders are managed in the community in order to bring down reoffending rates. Under these reforms we will create a new national public sector probation service. It will be the responsibility of the National Probation Service to decide on action in relation to all potential breaches beyond a first warning, they will also advise the Courts or Secretary of State on sanctions or recall to custody.
	Current probation staff train and qualify as Probation Offices and Probation Service Officers via the Probation Qualifications Framework. The framework sets out the learning and occupational competence needed to qualify and practise as a probation officer, including enforcement of court orders and licences. The Probation Qualifications Framework will continue to apply across the National Probation Service.
	New providers will be required to ensure that their delivery in respect of public protection meets all quality standards, including working with the public sector in the discharge of the public protection function. They will be expected to evidence in their bids how they will manage a workforce with appropriate levels of training and competence.

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people completed accredited offending behaviour and substance misuse programmes while in (a) custody and (b) the community in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13.

Jeremy Wright: The information requested can be found in the Accredited Programmes Annual Bulletin 2012-13 (England and Wales), published by the Ministry of Justice on 25 July 2013 at the following location:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225196/accredited-programmes-annual-bulletin-2012-13.pdf

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department has spent on research on each prisoner rehabilitation programme in each of the last five years; and which organisation undertook each such research programme.

Jeremy Wright: The term ‘prisoner rehabilitation programmes’ covers a broad range of activity, delivered in prison and through the gate, aimed at the rehabilitation of offenders. A list of external research projects on prisoner rehabilitation programmes, commissioned between 2008-09 and 2012-13, is available in a table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Research commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and the National Offender Management Service has been included.

Parole

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the backlog was of Parole Board cases involving prisoners serving (a) an indeterminate sentence for public protection and (b) a life sentence in each month since March 2012.

Jeremy Wright: The information is provided in the following table. This lists, in respect of each month since March 2012, the number of indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP) cases and life sentence cases which had reached the target date for a parole hearing and had not been allocated an oral hearing date or where a decision had not yet been made on the case papers.
	The total number of cases is also provided in respect of each month. As the Parole Board has not always recorded cases by sentence type, I regret that this data is not available for the months of June 2012 and April 2013.
	The Parole Board is committed to working in an effective and efficient manner in order to meet the objective, contained in the Board's current business plan, to significantly reduce the back log by the end of 2013/14.
	As well as increasing the number of Parole Board Members and hearings, work is also underway to streamline the end to end parole process in order to deliver lasting improvements.
	
		
			 Month IPP sentence Life sentence Total 
			 March 2012 792 706 1498 
			 April 2012 888 713 1601 
			 May 2012 886 699 1585 
			 June 2012 (1)— (1)— 1618 
			 July 2012 807 763 1570 
			 August 2012 852 755 1607 
			 September 2012 886 705 1591 
			 October 2012 896 731 1627 
			 November 2012 852 697 1549 
			 December 2012 867 692 1559 
			 January 2013 799 648 1447 
			 February 2013 786 628 1414 
			 March 2013 773 609 1382 
			 April 2013 (1)— (1)— 1323 
			 May 2013 705 553 1258 
			 June 2013 724 558 1282 
			 July 2013 856 593 1449 
			 August 2013 826 526 1352 
			 (1 )Data unavailable

Pay

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many employees of (a) his Department and (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies have an annual salary of (i) £100,000 to £150,000, (ii) £150,001 to £200,000, (iii) £200,001 to £250,000, (iv) £250,001 to £300,000, (v) £300,001 to £350,000 and (vi) over £350,000;
	(2)  how many employees of (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible have an annual salary of (a) between £100,000 and £150,000, (b) between £150,001 and £200,000, (c) between £200,001 and £250,000, (d) between £250,001 and £300,000, (e) between £300,001 and £350,000 and (f) over £350,001.

Helen Grant: The number of officials in the Ministry of Justice (Ministry of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and Office of the Public Guardian) and non-departmental public bodies that earned a full-time equivalent salary in excess of £100,000 as at 30 September 2012 stood at 45 and is broken down as follows.
	Since 2010 both MOJ core and NOMS have significantly reduced the number of staff with salaries over £100,000.
	
		
			 Salary band Number of staff 
			 £100,000 to £150,000 41 
			 £150,001 to £200,000 4 
			 £200,001 to £250,001 0 
			 £250,001 to £300,001 0 
			 £300,001 to £350,001 0 
			 Over £350,000 0

Pay

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many employees of (a) his Department and (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies have an annual salary before tax of over £142,000;
	(2)  how many employees of (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible have an annual salary before tax of over £142,000.

Helen Grant: The number of officials in the Ministry of Justice (Ministry of Justice HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service and Office of the Public Guardian) as at 30 September 2012 (the latest data available) that have had an annual salary before tax of over £142,000 was three.
	The number of officials in the Ministry of Justice's arm’s length bodies and National Offender Management Service as at 31 March 2013 that had an annual salary before tax of over £142,000 was eight.
	Since 2010 MOJ core has significantly reduced the number of staff with salaries over £142,000.

Prison Accommodation

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the occupancy rate as a proportion of population to in-use certified normal accommodation was in (a) the whole of the Prison Service and (b) each public and privately-run prison in England and Wales on 1 April (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011, (iv) 2012 and (v) 2013.

Jeremy Wright: The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House and is also published online at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison-population-figures
	The data is produced on the last working Friday of March in years 2009 to 2013 and therefore the information published is from the last working Friday in March in each year and not on 1 April as requested. We need to ensure that our custodial estate has sufficient places to meet the demand of the courts while securing best value for money for the taxpayer.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible error with data entry and processing.

Prison Accommodation

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much increased capacity in the prison estate since May 2010 has come about as a result of (a) new prison places becoming available, (b) existing accommodation being returned to use, (c) an increase in multiple occupancy of prison cells and (d) other measures.

Jeremy Wright: In June 2013, the Justice Secretary announced that a new prison that could hold around 2,000 prisoners will be built in north Wales, delivering a significant and rapid investment to the Welsh economy. The new prison—the first to be built in north Wales—will bring around £23 million a year to the regional economy, providing much needed jobs and opportunities for local business. It is estimated around 1,000 jobs will be created.
	The following table shows the number of places between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July 2013 which were delivered as a result of (a) new prison accommodation becoming available, (b) existing accommodation being returned to use (e.g. being returned to use following maintenance or refurbishment work), (c) an increase in multiple occupancy of prison cells and (d) other measures.
	
		
			 Number of places between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July 2013 which were delivered as a result of (a) new prison accommodation becoming available, (b) existing accommodation being returned to use, (c) an increase in multiple occupancy of prison cells and (d) other measures 
			  Number 
			 (a) New prison accommodation becoming available 5,274 
			 (b) Existing accommodation being returned to use 2,603 
			 (c) An increase in multiple occupancy of prison cells 477 
			 (d) Other measures (these are places returning to use following change of function and those places reclaimed for use as prisoner accommodation) 1,320 
			   
			 Total 9,674 
		
	
	The table does not reflect the 9,193 places that have been taken out of use since 30 April 2010. 4,932 places have been taken out of use as a result of prison closures at HMPs Lancaster Castle, Wellingborough, Latchmere House, Ashwell, Canterbury, Gloucester, Bullwood Hall, Kingston, Shrewsbury and Shepton Mallet; 2,609 places were taken out of use for refurbishment purposes; 857 places were taken out of use as a result of decreases in multiple occupancy of prison cells; and finally, 795 places were taken out of use due to other measures such as a change of function.
	Between Friday 30 April 2010 and Friday 26 July 2013 the total operational capacity of the prison estate increased by a net 481 places, comprising 9,674 increases and 9,193 decreases. This included a net decrease of 380 places in multiple occupancy prison cells.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible error with data entry and processing.

Prison Accommodation

Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what funding his Department plans to provide for capital expenditure on new prison places in (a) the current spending review period and (b) the next spending review period.

Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows:
	(a) The priority is to provide enough prison places for those sent there by the courts—and to do so in a way that gives taxpayers the best possible value for money. In the current spending review period covering the years 2011-12 to 2014-15, a total of approximately £219 million will be spent on new prison places. This includes investment to complete a previous prison capacity programme, four new house blocks and to start the recently announced new prison in North Wales. Across the country we are reducing the cost of prison by replacing old, inefficient buildings with newer accommodation that is cheaper to run. The new prison in Wales allows us to continue this work while providing a significant and rapid investment in the Welsh economy.
	(b) In the next spending round period covering 2015-16, the indicative budget is currently £100 million.

Prison Governors

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many current prison governors have criminal convictions.

Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to my answer to his question on 18 June 2013, Official Report, column 634W.

Prison Sentences

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) sex offenders and (b) violent offenders convicted of what offence were given imprisonment for public protection in each of the last 15 months.

Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders sentenced at all courts for offences relating to violence against the person or sexual offences who were sentenced to imprisonment for public protection (IPP), by offence class sentenced, in England and Wales, from 1 October 2011 to 31 December 2012 (latest data available), can be viewed in the table. IPP sentences were replaced by a robust new determinate sentencing regime, and mandatory life sentence for repeated very serious violent and sexual offending, in the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, and are not available for offenders convicted on or after 3 December 2012.
	Court proceedings data for 2013 are planned for publication in May 2014.
	
		
			 Offenders sentenced at all courts for offences relating to violence against the person or sexual offences who were sentenced to imprisonment for public protection (IPP)(1), by offence class sentenced, England and Wales, 1 October 2011 to 31 December 2012(2, 3) 
			 Offence group Offence class Sentenced to IPP 
			 Violence against the person Attempted murder 19 
			  Threat or conspiracy to murder 17 
			  Manslaughter(4) 24 
			  Wounding or other act endangering life 222 
			  Other wounding 37 
			  Cruelty to or neglect of children 2 
			 Sexual offences Indecent assault on a male 9 
			  Rape 174 
			  Indecent assault on a female 67 
			  Unlawful sexual intercourse with girl under 13 16 
			  Unlawful sexual intercourse with girl under 16 38 
			  Incest 2 
			  Sexual offences with person with mental disorder 1 
			  Child prostitution and pornography 4 
			  Miscellaneous sexual offences 13 
			 (1) Sentences of imprisonment for public protection introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 on 4 April 2005. (2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Includes offences of manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, and manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Prison Sentences

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to his answer of 3 July 2013, Official Report, column 641W, on prison sentences, if he will provide the information requested in the original question; and if he will fix the web link provided in the original Answer.

Jeremy Wright: Pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2013, officials in my Department have confirm that the web link provided in the original answer is correct and live. For reference please see the tables I have placed in the House Library. Table A5.2 presents figures for volumes of offenders sentenced at magistrates courts. Table A5.3 presents figures for volumes of offenders sentenced at the Crown court; table A5.9 shows the percentage of offenders sentenced to immediate custody, by court type for the period of 2002 to 2012; and table A5.26 presents offenders sentenced for indictable offences at the Crown court: plea, immediate custody and average sentence length, for the period of 2002 to 2012.
	The tables referred to in the answer are available through the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/203849/5-sentencing-tables-dec12.xls

Prison Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  on how many occasions employees of the Prison Service have been (a) charged and (b) found guilty of each category of criminal activity in the workplace in each year since 2010;
	(2)  how many times and for what offences employees of the Prison Service have been charged with criminal activity in the workplace in each year since 2010.

Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) does not hold records of employees charged with criminal activity.
	Whilst the vast majority of its staff are honest and hard working, the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is committed to detecting, deterring and disrupting any and all corrupt behaviour by individuals working in prisons. A dedicated NOMS Corruption Prevention Unit was set up to ensure staff corruption is identified and tackled. As part of this work NOMS has compiled a central record of staff convicted of offences which meet the NOMS definition of corruption.
	This definition is that corruption occurs when a person in a position of authority or trust abuses their position for their or another person's benefit or gain.
	Therefore the NOMS central record does not include all types of criminality as not all offences meet the definition. No central data exists prior to 2008. Sentences handed down to individuals working in prisons since 2010 is given in the following table.
	
		
			 Breakdown by year of convictions of staff (for corruption related offences) 
			  Convictions 
			 2010 18 
			 2011 20 
			 2012 25 
			 2013 (to date) 11 
		
	
	
		
			 Total 74 
		
	
	The information provided has been drawn from live administrative data systems which may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system.

Prison Service

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what changes in the level of National Offender Management Service staffing at each prison establishment have been achieved as a consequence of the Comprehensive Spending Review; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: Since the start of the current Spending Review period (2011/2012 - 2014/2015), NOMS has taken a wide-ranging strategic approach to meet the financial challenges set including: a comprehensive restructuring of Headquarters and the wider organisational structure; significant frontline efficiencies across public prisons and probation, whilst maintaining safe, decent and secure offender services; reconfiguring the prison estate and the closure of prison establishments; clear, specified front-line services, with comprehensive costing information to identify efficient cost models and challenge and eliminate expensive delivery; and reduced contract costs.
	Over the two years since the start of the Spending Review, NOMS has successfully delivered £475 million cashable savings against the 2010/2011 baseline budget position, whilst maintaining high levels of performance. Since April 2011, there have been changes in staffing levels at each prison establishment but it is not possible to attribute any of these changes in staffing levels specifically to the consequences of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Prison Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were employed in the Prison Service, by rank, on 1 June (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013.

Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of staff directly employed by NOMS in public sector Prison Service establishments, broken down by grade, is contained in the following table:
	
		
			 Table 1. Headcount staff in post in the public sector Prison Service, excluding NOMS HQ by grade—31 May 2010, 2011, 2012 and 30 April 2013 
			 Grade grouping  31 May 2010 31 May 2011 31 May 2012 30 April 2013 
			 Operational Senior Managers 200 200 200 190 
			  Managers 990 940 890 840 
			  Principal Officer 940 790 650 630 
			  Senior Officer 3,920 3,670 3,460 3,150 
			  Prison Officer 20,390 20,250 19,170 18,140 
			  Operational Support grade 7,840 7,580 7,090 6,580 
			 Operational total  34,280 33,420 31,450 29,530 
			       
			 Non Operational Senior Civil Servant (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			  Senior Managers 50 40 30 30 
		
	
	
		
			  Managers 1,100 960 880 800 
			  Executive Officer 800 730 690 660 
			  Administrative Officer 3,750 3,800 3,640 3,380 
			  Administrative Assistant 360 370 350 380 
			  Other Admin 390 350 320 190 
			  Psychology 890 930 930 850 
			  Chaplaincy 380 380 360 340 
			  Healthcare—Nursing grades 380 300 210 140 
			  Healthcare—Other healthcare 60 60 40 20 
			  Industrial 3,490 3,380 3,190 2,920 
			  Other grades 1,390 1,370 1,280 1,150 
			 Non Operational total  13,040 13,040 12,660 11,920 
			       
			 Grand total  47,320 46,080 43,370 40,390 
			 (1 )Denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Notes: 1. Information relates to Public Sector Prison Service establishments and regionally organised staff directly providing services to establishments. NOMS HQ is not included. The definition of NOMS HQ has recently been altered to exclude more regionally based units. This means that the totals given in this answer do not necessarily agree with previous answers which used the more wide-ranging definition of headquarters. 2. In April 2012 a new system of pay-bands was introduced for new recruits. The figures relating to 2012 and 2013 therefore include some staff working in the new banding structure. For the purposes of this table those staff are allocated to the equivalent grade grouping. 3. In October 2011 HMP Birmingham transferred to the private sector causing a reduction of 639 staff. 4. Over the period being reported the number of healthcare staff directly employed by NOMS has fallen as a result of the transfer of staff employment to primary care trusts. 5. As with all HR databases, extracts are taken at a fixed point in time, to ensure consistency of reporting. However the database itself is dynamic, and where updates to the database are made late, subsequent to the taking of the extract, these updates will not be reflected in figures produced by the extract. For this reason, HR data are unlikely to be precisely accurate, and to present unrounded figures would be to overstate the accuracy of the figures. Rounding to 10 accurately depicts the level of certainty that is held with these figures. 6. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum of or difference between the rounded totals. 
		
	
	Private sector establishments are managed by contractors with different grading structures. Information provided on private sector establishments by the individual contractors is presented in the following tables:
	
		
			 Table 2: Headcount of G4S staff in Prison Service establishments by grade, 1 June 2010 to 2013 
			 Grade (G4S) 1 June 2010 1 June 2011 1 June 2012 1 June 2013 
			 2 130 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 3 60 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 4 20 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 5 (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 1A 130 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 IB 10 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Band 1 (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Band 3 (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 C2 (1)— (1)— (1)— 10 
			 CAS (1)— 60 50 50 
			 Dl (1)— 10 10 10 
			 D2 (1)— 20 30 20 
			 D2 (Operational) (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 El 10 50 70 70 
			 El (Operational) (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 E2 10 160 190 190 
			 E2 (Operational) (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 F (1)— 150 180 190 
			 F1 80 160 180 180 
			 F1 (Operational) (1)— 20 20 (1)— 
			 F2 60 90 90 80 
			 Non Banded Operative 20 30 80 10 
			 Non Banded Supervisor/Team Leader (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 0 (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 00 (1)— 20 20 30 
			 01 20 20 (1)— (1)— 
			 02 220 330 330 320 
			 OTR (1)— (1)— 380 330 
			 TR (1)— (1)— 160 130 
		
	
	
		
			 N/A 960 650 860 930 
			 (blank) (1)— (1)— 160 100 
			 Grand total 1,740 1,800 2,830 2,650 
			 (1) Denotes suppressed values of five or fewer Notes: 1. Information presented in grade structure of contractor and reflects changes in grade structure over the period. 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the rounded totals. 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 3: Headcount of Sodexo staff in Prison Service establishments by grade—1 June 2010 to 2013 
			 Grade 1 June 2010 1 June 2011 1June 2012 1 June 2013 
			 Operational Managers 70 60 50 50 
			 Principal Officer (1)— (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Senior Officers 110 no 110 100 
			 Prison Officers 680 690 620 630 
			 Operational Support Grades 100 110 130 150 
			 Non-operational Managers 20 30 30 30 
			 Administration Grade 120 160 160 160 
			 Other staff 300 290 280 280 
			 Total 1,400 1,440 1,380 1,400 
			 Notes: 1. Information presented as far as possible in the grade structure of public sector. 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the rounded totals. 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 4: Headcount of Serco staff in Prison Service establishments by grade—1 June 2010 to 2013 
			 Grade 1 June 2010 1 June 2011 1 June 2012 1 June 2013 
			 Managers 120 110 190 180 
			 Prison Custody Officers 470 460 870 900 
			 Others 520 490 620 600 
			 Total 1,100 1,060 1,680 1,680 
			 (1) Denotes suppressed values of 5 or fewer. Notes: 1. The contractor does not hold information for HMP Lowdham Grange for 2010 and 2011. 2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals and changes are formed from unrounded parts and may therefore not equal either sum or difference of the rounded totals.

Prison Service

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average ratio of prison officers to inmates in prisons in England and Wales was in June (a) 2009. (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 and (e) 2013.

Jeremy Wright: It is standard practice to produce staffing ratios as the total number of prisoners divided by the total number of prison officers employed. Information on the ratio of prisoners to prison officers in the public sector and prison custody officers in the private sector in establishments of the Prison Service of England and Wales on 30 June 2009 to 2012 is contained in the table. Data are not yet published as at 30 June 2013.
	A number of factors have influenced the prisoner to officer ratio in recent years. Each of these has enabled establishments to operate effectively with an increased prisoner to officer ratio. These include:
	the civilianisation of services previously undertaken by uniformed prison officers, such as health care and catering
	closures of older accommodation enabling prisoners to be held in generally larger and more efficient prisons gaining economies of scale in respect of prisoner-staff ratios
	general efficiencies and benchmarking that have sought to make the most effective use of officer time and deployment
	
		
			 Prisoner to Prison Officer/Prison Custody Officer Ratio—30 June 2009 to 2012 
			  As at 30 June: 
			  2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Officers 22,415 22,275 21,998 21,404 
			 Population 82,646 84,089 84,339 86,048 
			 Ratio 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0 
			 Notes: 1. The ratio of Prison Officers to prisoners is based on the headcount of prisoners to the Prison Officer Full Time Equivalent. As Prison Officers work shift patterns, the ratio does not indicate the actual number of prisoners per Prison Officer on duty at any given point in time. 2. Staffing information for HMP Lowdham Grange is not available from the current contractor prior to 2012. The establishment has therefore been excluded from the ratio calculation prior to 2012. 3. Officers working in the public sector in headquarters or regional structures are not included. 4. Private sector staffing numbers refer to prison custody officers and have been provided by individual contractors.

Prison Service

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what changes there have been in capital expenditure budgets of each prison in the UK since April 2010.

Jeremy Wright: Capital expenditure budgets are not given to individual prisons. Budgets for capital expenditure are managed at regional and national level and are subject to rigorous assessment and governance, and money is allocated to projects on a priority basis.
	Note:
	The Ministry of Justice is only responsible for prisons in England and Wales.

Prison Service: North East

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 3 July 2013, Official Report, column 642W, on Prison Service: North East, 
	(1)  what the equivalent figures were for all other prisons in England and Wales;
	(2)  how many staff were employed at each establishment in each of the identified grades.

Jeremy Wright: The response to the question provided the number of staff who had received an exceeded marking on their staff personal development record for 2011-12 in the North East region. The equivalent information for all public sector Prison Service establishments is provided in table 1. Staff numbers at each of the grades specified at 31 March 2012 are provided in table 2.
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments receiving an exceeded marking on staff personal development record, broken down by grade and establishment, 2011-12 
			 Establishment Operational support grades Officers Operational manager and senior managers Administrative grades Other grades Total 
			 Askham Grange — 10 — — — 20 
			 Aylesbury — 30 — — — 40 
			 Bedford — 20 — 20 — 50 
			 Belmarsh 10 80 10 20 10 130 
			 Blantyre House — — — — — 10 
			 Blundeston — 10 — 10 10 40 
			 Brinsford — 10 — — — 20 
			 Bristol — 20 — — — 30 
			 Brixton — 10 — — — 10 
			 Buckley Hall — 10 — 10 10 40 
			 Bullingdon — 70 10 30 20 140 
			 Bullwood Hall — 10 — 10 — 20 
			 Bure 10 40 — 20 10 100 
			 Canterbury 10 20 — 10 10 50 
			 Cardiff — 40 10 30 20 90 
			 Channings Wood 10 80 — 40 30 160 
			 Chelmsford — 30 10 20 10 60 
			 Coldingley — 10 — 10 10 40 
			 Cookham Wood — 30 — 20 — 60 
			 Dartmoor 10 30 — 20 10 80 
			 Deerbolt — 20 — 20 10 60 
			 Dorchester — 30 — 10 — 40 
			 Dover — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Downview — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Drake Hall — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Durham — 50 10 40 10 110 
			 East Sutton Park — — — 10 — 20 
			 Eastwood Park 10 40 — 20 10 90 
			 Elmley 10 50 — — — 60 
			 Erlestoke and Shepton Mallet — 10 — 10 10 40 
			 Everthorpe — 20 — 20 10 60 
			 Exeter — 40 10 30 — 80 
			 Featherstone — 10 10 20 20 60 
			 Feltham — 30 — 10 — 40 
			 Ford — — — 10 10 20 
			 Foston Hall — 20 — 10 — 30 
			 Frankland 10 100 10 50 60 220 
			 Full Sutton 10 50 10 30 20 130 
			 Garth 10 10 — 20 10 50 
			 Gartree — 20 — 20 20 60 
			 Glen Parva — 40 10 20 20 100 
			 Gloucester — 30 — 20 — 50 
			 Grendon — 20 10 20 10 50 
			 Guys Marsh — 30 — 20 30 80 
			 Haslar — 10 — — — 20 
			 Haverigg 10 10 — 20 10 60 
			 Hewell 10 50 — 30 10 110 
			 High Down — 20 10 20 10 50 
			 Highpoint 10 50 10 60 30 160 
			 Hindley 10 40 10 10 10 90 
			 Hollesley Bay — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Holloway — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Holme House 10 100 10 40 30 190 
			 Hull 10 70 10 20 20 120 
			 Huntercombe — 20 — 10 20 60 
			 Isis — — — — — 10 
			 Isle of Wight 10 40 — 40 10 100 
			 Kennet — 30 — 10 10 60 
			 Kingston — 10 — 10 10 30 
			 Kirkham — 10 — 20 10 50 
			 Kirklevington Grange — 20 — 10 10 40 
			 Lancaster Farms — 30 10 20 10 80 
			 Leeds 10 70 — 30 10 130 
		
	
	
		
			 Leicester — 10 — — 10 20 
			 Lewes 10 40 — 10 — 60 
			 Leyhill 10 30 10 30 20 90 
			 Lincoln — 20 — 20 10 60 
			 Lindholme 10 40 10 50 30 140 
			 Littlehey — 30 10 20 20 80 
			 Liverpool 10 70 10 20 10 120 
			 Long Lartin 10 40 10 30 10 100 
			 Low Newton — 20 10 20 — 50 
			 Maidstone — 20 10 10 — 40 
			 Manchester 10 110 10 50 40 220 
			 Moorland 10 70 10 30 30 150 
			 Morton Hall — 10 — — — 20 
			 New Hall 10 50 10 30 20 120 
			 North Sea Camp — — — 10 10 30 
			 Northallerton — 30 — 20 — 50 
			 Northumberland 10 60 10 50 20 140 
			 Norwich — 10 10 10 10 30 
			 Nottingham 20 40 — 20 10 100 
			 Onley 10 20 — 10 — 40 
			 Pentonville — 30 — 10 10 50 
			 Portland 10 30 — 20 10 70 
			 Preston 10 40 10 20 — 70 
			 Ranby — 20 10 20 20 80 
			 Reading — 10 — — — 20 
			 Risley — 40 10 30 30 110 
			 Rochester 10 40 — 20 20 90 
			 Send — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Sheppey Central Services 10 30 — 20 30 100 
			 Shrewsbury — 10 — 10 10 50 
			 Stafford 10 50 10 20 40 120 
			 Standford Hill — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Stocken — 30 — 20 10 60 
			 Stoke Heath — 50 10 10 20 100 
			 Styal 10 30 10 20 20 80 
			 Sudbury — 20 — 20 10 50 
			 Swaleside — 60 — 20 10 90 
			 Swansea — 30 — 10 10 50 
			 Swinfen Hall 10 60 — 20 10 110 
			 The Mount 10 30 — 20 10 80 
			 The Verne 10 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Thorn Cross — 10 — 20 10 50 
			 Usk/Prescoed — 10 — 10 — 30 
			 Wakefield 10 50 10 20 30 130 
			 Wandsworth — 60 — 20 — 90 
			 Warren Hill — 20 10 20 — 50 
			 Wayland 10 60 10 20 20 120 
			 Wealstun 10 20 10 20 20 70 
			 Wellingborough — 10 — 10 10 40 
			 Werrington — 10 — — — 20 
			 Wetherby — 40 — 20 30 100 
			 Whatton 10 30 — 20 20 90 
			 Whitemoor 10 50 10 40 20 120 
			 Winchester — 10 — 10 10 30 
			 Woodhill — 40 10 20 10 80 
			 Wormwood Scrubs — 20 — 10 — 40 
			 Wymott 10 40 — 30 30 120 
			        
			 Total 560 3,650 580 2,230 1,400 8,420 
			 Note: ‘—’denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Low numbers are suppressed, in conjunction with the rounding policy to prevent disclosure in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 1998. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, rounded totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts. 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Number of staff in post in public sector Prison Service establishments broken down by grade and establishment, 31 March 2012 
			 Establishment Operational support grades Officers Operational manager and senior managers Administrative grades Other grades Total 
			 Askham Grange 10 20 — 10 10 60 
			 Aylesbury 40 140 10 40 40 270 
			 Bedford 30 140 — 50 20 250 
			 Belmarsh 210 490 10 70 70 850 
			 Blantyre House 10 30 — 10 10 60 
			 Blundeston 40 140 10 30 50 270 
			 Brinsford 50 220 10 40 50 370 
			 Bristol 50 200 10 40 40 320 
			 Brixton 50 200 10 40 20 320 
			 Buckley Hall 30 100 10 30 20 200 
			 Bullingdon 60 260 10 70 50 450 
			 Bullwood Hall 20 70 — 20 20 130 
			 Bure 50 150 10 40 40 280 
			 Canterbury 40 100 — 20 20 180 
			 Cardiff 40 260 10 50 70 440 
			 Channings Wood 50 180 10 50 60 350 
			 Chelmsford 60 210 10 40 50 370 
			 Coldingley 40 120 10 30 40 230 
			 Cookham Wood 30 130 — 30 20 220 
			 Dartmoor 40 150 — 40 50 290 
			 Deerbolt 60 170 10 50 40 330 
			 Dorchester 20 110 10 20 20 180 
			 Dover 50 130 10 20 40 250 
			 Downview 30 110 — 30 20 200 
			 Drake Hall 30 80 10 30 30 180 
			 Durham 80 270 20 70 60 480 
			 East Sutton Park 10 20 — 10 10 60 
			 Eastwood Park 30 140 10 40 20 250 
			 Erlestoke and Shpeton Mallet 80 180 10 50 60 370 
			 Everthorpe 50 160 10 50 40 300 
			 Exeter 30 170 10 40 40 280 
			 Featherstone 50 150 10 50 70 320 
			 Feltham 110 370 10 90 90 670 
			 Ford 30 60 10 30 30 150 
			 Foston Hall 40 110 — 20 10 190 
			 Frankland 130 590 10 80 120 930 
			 Full Sutton 130 420 20 50 100 720 
			 Garth 70 250 10 40 90 470 
			 Gartree 40 200 10 60 60 380 
			 Glen Parva 60 240 10 60 40 410 
			 Gloucester 30 120 — 40 20 210 
			 Grendon 50 130 10 40 60 290 
			 Guys Marsh 50 120 10 40 50 270 
			 Haslar 10 50 — 10 30 100 
			 Haverigg 60 140 10 50 60 310 
			 Hewell 110 320 20 90 60 600 
			 High Down 90 260 10 60 50 480 
			 Highpoint 110 270 10 90 90 580 
			 Hindley 50 250 20 50 50 420 
			 Hollesley Bay 30 50 — 30 30 140 
			 Holloway 70 200 10 50 40 380 
			 Holme House 60 340 20 80 60 560 
			 Hull 80 300 10 60 60 510 
			 Huntercombe 30 100 10 30 40 220 
			 Isis 30 160 10 50 10 250 
			 Isle of Wight 130 420 10 110 140 810 
			 Kennet 50 130 10 30 40 250 
			 Kingston 10 60 — 20 30 120 
			 Kirkham 40 80 10 40 50 210 
			 Kirklevington Grange 30 50 — 30 20 130 
			 Lancaster — — — — — — 
		
	
	
		
			 Lancaster Farms 60 200 10 50 40 360 
			 Latchmere House — — — — — — 
			 Leeds 90 350 10 60 50 560 
			 Leicester 30 130 10 30 10 210 
			 Lewes 70 200 10 40 20 350 
			 Leyhill 30 70 10 50 50 200 
			 Lincoln 60 190 10 40 20 320 
			 Lindholme 100 220 20 70 60 460 
			 Littlehey 90 250 10 60 100 510 
			 Liverpool 110 320 10 60 60 560 
			 Long Lartin 120 390 20 60 80 670 
			 Low Newton 50 140 10 40 40 280 
			 Maidstone 60 130 10 30 30 260 
			 Manchester 160 470 10 70 120 820 
			 Moorland 100 300 10 60 60 530 
			 Morton Hall 50 120 10 20 20 220 
			 New Hall 60 200 10 50 40 360 
			 North Sea Camp 20 50 — 30 10 120 
			 Northallerton 20 60 10 30 10 130 
			 Northumberland 130 390 20 80 110 740 
			 Norwich 60 190 10 50 50 360 
			 Nottingham 100 310 10 70 40 520 
			 Onley 50 150 10 70 40 310 
			 Pentonville 80 360 10 60 40 550 
			 Portland 60 180 10 50 50 340 
			 Preston 70 260 10 50 30 430 
			 Ranby 90 230 10 60 70 460 
			 Reading 30 100 — 20 20 180 
			 Risley 70 270 10 50 60 470 
			 Rochester 60 220 10 50 60 400 
			 Send 30 90 10 30 20 180 
			 Sheppey Cluster 180 700 20 190 130 1,220 
			 Shrewsbury 40 110 — 30 30 210 
			 Stafford 60 180 10 40 70 360 
			 Stocken 60 200 10 60 30 350 
			 Stoke Heath 60 220 10 50 60 400 
			 Styal 50 170 10 40 30 300 
			 Sudbury 30 60 — 30 20 150 
			 Swansea 20 140 10 40 40 260 
			 Swinfen Hall 70 190 — 40 60 360 
			 The Mount 50 150 10 60 50 310 
			 The Verne 50 100 10 40 50 260 
			 Thorn Cross 20 90 — 30 30 180 
			 Usk/Prescoed 30 90 — 30 30 180 
			 Wakefield 120 410 20 60 80 680 
			 Wandsworth 110 390 10 90 70 670 
			 Warren Hill 30 140 10 40 30 240 
			 Wayland 60 220 10 50 70 400 
			 Wealstun 70 200 10 60 70 420 
			 Wellingborough 50 140 10 50 20 260 
			 Werrington 30 90 — 30 20 180 
			 Wetherby 60 240 10 50 50 420 
			 Whatton 80 190 10 60 50 380 
			 Whitemoor 120 380 10 80 90 700 
			 Winchester 50 180 — 50 30 320 
			 Woodhill 130 430 20 70 70 720 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 80 320 20 70 70 570 
			 Wymott 80 270 10 60 90 510 
			        
			 Total 7,100 23,350 1,040 5,660 5,630 42,780 
			 Note: ‘—’ denotes suppressed values of five or fewer. Low numbers are suppressed, in conjunction with the rounding policy to prevent disclosure in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 1998. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, rounded totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts.

Prisoner Corruption Unit

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the budget of the Prisoner Corruption Unit was in each year since 2010-11.

Jeremy Wright: This Government is committed to ensuring that the agencies are free from corruption and that those who do commit illegal acts are dealt with swiftly and reported to the prosecuting authorities. The National Offender Management Service's (NOMS') Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU) is its national intelligence hub through which corruption intelligence is passed between prisons and the police. The CPU undertakes strategic analysis of corruption intelligence across the prison estate and provides operational assistance to prisons through a network of regional and local corruption prevention managers.
	The allocated budget for the operation of the NOMS CPU is provided as follows for the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12.
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 2010-11 588,000 
			 2011-12 421,300 
		
	
	From 1 April 2012, the CPU was integrated in to the NOMS National Intelligence Unit (NIU) within Security Group. The NIU allocated budget for 2012-13 and 2013-14 is provided as follows.
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 2012-13 1,605,102 
			 2013-14 1,863,972

Prisoner Escapes

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many escaped prisoners remain at large.

Jeremy Wright: The total number of escapes from custody has been falling since 1995 when central records began, despite an increasing prison population.
	Between April 1997 and March 2012, the most recent period for which data is available, 245 prisoners escaped from either a prison establishment or from a HM Prison service escort. Of these escapees seven are currently still at large.(1) Data on recapture of prisoners prior to 1997 is not centrally held and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost by manual interrogation of electronic incident and prisoner records.
	Between April 2010 and March 2012 23 prisoners escaped from a contractors escort. Of these four are currently still at large. Data prior to this is not centrally available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Most contractor escapes occur at court.
	(1) As of 15 July 2013.

Prisoner Escorts: Taxis

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much the Prison Service spent on taxis to transport prisoners in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012.

Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the total amount of cost of hiring transport, including taxis, for prisoners for financial years 2010-11 to 2012-13 for public sector prisons in England and Wales.
	
		
			  
			 Financial year Transport hire costs for prisoners (£) 
			 2012-13 3,133,614 
			 2011-12 3,337,250 
			 2010-11 3,595,191 
		
	
	Additionally it may be helpful to note expenditure from the five years prior to this (2005-06 to 2009-10).
	
		
			 Financial year Transport hire costs for prisoners (£) 
			 2009-10 3,431,290 
			 2008-09 3,731,809 
			 2007-08 2,984,439 
			 2006-07 2,977,117 
			 2005-06 2,829,476 
			 Notes: 1. Figures are extracted from our central accounting code and include costs of hiring transport e.g. taxis, coaches, mini-buses etc. for taking prisoners to court and for all other escorts including bedwatches, funeral escorts and regime activities not in official vehicles. Also, these figures have been drawn from NOMS central accounting records, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. 2. Private prisons are excluded. 3. Charges for taxis used for medical escorts are reimbursed by primary care trusts (PCTs). PCTs have the commissioning and funding responsibility for all medical escorts and bedwatches for prisons but exclude open prisons, immigration remand centres and prisons in Wales. 
		
	
	The Prisoner Escort Custody Service (PECS), which is part of the National Offender Management Service, is responsible for the movement of prisoners between prisons, police stations and courts and their care and security while in court custody. PECS manages the secure escort contracts covering all those sent to custody in the prison estate, apart from category A prisoners.
	However, there are occasions when the prison service may make use of taxis to provide prisons with a cost-effective, flexible way of fulfilling transport requirements for prisoners where there is a strong operational justification for doing so. This mode of transport is comparatively cheaper than cars; they also reduce potential overheads for prisons, including maintenance and cleaning, and the impact that this might have on staff time. Additionally, this allows prisons to source transport at short notice to fulfil urgent requirements.

Prisoners on Remand

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many remand prisoners voted in the May 2010 General Election.

Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of remand prisoners who vote in UK elections is not collected.

Prisoners' Transfers

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners convicted of each category of crime have been moved to a lower category of prison in the last 12 months; what the (a) original and (b) current category of prison is in each such case; and what length of time had been served by each such prisoner at the time of their transfer.

Jeremy Wright: All prisoners have their security categorisation risk assessed on an individual basis following conviction and sentencing. This assessment considers the likelihood of their attempting to escape or abscond, the risk of harm to the public should they do so and any other issues that impact on the security and good order of the prison. The assessment takes account of factors such as the nature of the offence, sentence length and previous convictions. Prisoners are then assigned to the lowest security category appropriate to managing the level of risk presented. The prisoner's security category is subsequently reviewed at regular intervals or whenever there is a change in circumstances affecting the prisoner's risk levels. The aim is to ensure that the prisoner continues to be held in conditions of the lowest security consistent with managing risk.
	We do not generally hold data on the individual reasons for a prisoner's transfer, including transfers following re-categorisation. Where this is available, the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost as it would involve a manual trawl through the individual records of every transferred prisoner in the last 12 months.

Prisoners: Age

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average age is of (a) the prison population and (b) those serving first-time prison sentences.

Jeremy Wright: As at 30 June 2012 (the most recent data available for part (b)), the average age of both the total prison population and those serving their first custodial sentence was 34.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners: Repatriation

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  with which countries the Government is currently negotiating prison transfer agreements;
	(2)  what meetings Ministers in his Department have held with their EU counterparts on the EU Prisoner Transfer agreement; and when each such meeting was held.

Jeremy Wright: Prisoner transfer agreements can be a sensitive issue for some countries and it could be counter-productive to reveal details of discussions before they are concluded. However, I can assure you that my ministerial colleagues and I are actively engaging with a number of countries and remain determined to secure compulsory agreements wherever possible.
	This year the following meetings have taken place between MOJ Ministers and their European counterparts where the EU Prisoner Transfer Agreement (EU PTA) was formally discussed as part of the agenda:
	
		
			  MOJ Minister Counterpart 
			 21 January 2013 Justice Secretary Bulgarian Minister of Justice. Diana Kovatcheva 
			 28 February 2013 Jeremy Wright Romanian Deputy Justice Minister, Ovidiu Putura 
			 26 April 2013 Justice Secretary Hungarian Minister of Public Administration and Justice, Tibor Navracsics 
			 6 June 2013 Jeremy Wright Polish Secretary of State for Justice. Stanislaw Chmielewski 
			 13 June 2013 Lord McNally Croatian Minister for Justice, Orsat Miljenic

Prisons: Doncaster

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will undertake an urgent review of the prison management competition for the Doncaster cluster of prisons.

Jeremy Wright: I have no plans to review the prison management competition for the Doncaster cluster of prisons. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), has requested that PricewaterhouseCoopers undertake an audit of all my Department's existing contracts with Serco and G4S following issues that arose in relation to the current contracts for electronic monitoring.
	While this audit includes existing prisons contracts, it does not extend to the competition for operating the South Yorkshire prisons as no contract has yet been awarded. That competition was run according to the terms of the competition Official Journal of the European Union notice. It adhered to Government procurement regulations, and each bidder's proposal was robustly evaluated using the same agreed methodology. Consequently, I do not believe there is any need to undertake a review of the competition.

Prisons: Doncaster

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the reasons were for the delay in announcing the new contract for managing the Doncaster cluster of prisons; and what affect the over-charging by firms for existing departmental contracts has had on this process.

Jeremy Wright: In light of issues with MOJ's electronic monitoring contracts the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), requested an audit of all of my Department's contracts with Serco and G4S. We have been clear that we will not award any further contracts to the two companies unless the results of this audit process are satisfactory.
	The leading bidder in the competition to operate the South Yorkshire prisons is Serco. We will not take a decision on whether to award the contract until the audit of other Serco contracts has concluded.

Prisons: Electronic Equipment

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether prisoners are required to buy their own (a) televisions, (b) games consoles and (c) other entertainment devices.

Jeremy Wright: On 30 April 2013, we announced significant changes to the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme. The purpose of the IEP scheme will change so that not only are adult prisoners (over 18) expected to behave well, but they will also be expected to actively work towards their own rehabilitation and, to reach the highest level of the scheme, demonstrate both an active commitment o their own rehabilitation and provide help or support to other prisoners and/or prison staff. Gaining additional privileges will require not just the absence of negative behaviour, but also the demonstration of positive behaviour targeted at rehabilitation. We have announced a review of the scheme as it applies to young people. We are currently exploring how and to what extent the principles of the review of IEP for adult prisoners can apply to young people.
	Access to in-cell televisions is not provided at cost to the taxpayer. The provision of in-cell television is entirely self-financing from the rental payments made by prisoners, and all costs related to the purchase and provision of televisions and the digital switchover programme are being recovered from this charge. Where prisoners are permitted to purchase DVD players, under local IEP schemes, this is at their own expense. Prisoners are no longer allowed 18-rated DVDs since they were banned by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), earlier this year.
	Access to games consoles is limited and only available, in the adult estate (over 18), to prisoners who are on the highest level of the IEP scheme. Games consoles are purchased at prisoners' own expense. Individual access to games consoles in the young people's estate is only available to those on the enhanced level of the scheme. Young people on enhanced level are permitted to purchase computer games and a games console for their own use and from a pre-determined list of approved consoles. Young people are also permitted access to games consoles provided in communal areas when on enhanced or standard levels.

Prisons: Employment

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of the budget of each prison in the UK is spent on wages of those providing external auxiliary services (a) in total and (b) excluding the wage costs of prison officers and prisoners.

Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service's central accounting system does not record separately expenditure on wages relating to providing external auxiliary services at each public sector and private prison in England and Wales. To establish such costs would require an individual establishment-wide survey to identify those staff, prisoners and others employed in the provision of external auxiliary services. This would be a significant exercise and could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Prisons: Locks and Keys

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents there were of prisons needing to have their locks replaced since May 2010; what the cost to the public purse was of such incidents; and in which prison each incident took place.

Helen Grant: I can confirm that there have been four occasions when a prison has had to be re-locked since 2010. The cost to the public purse was £337,551 (excluding VAT) and the prisons were Swaleside, Glen Parva, Warren Hill and Birmingham. The cost of the latter was met by the operator of the prison, G4S.

Prisons: Private Sector

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what financial reductions his Department has negotiated at each privately-operated prison; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what contractual amendments have been negotiated at each privately-operated prison since May 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows:
	PQ 160078
	The information is in the following table. The review period for data relating to this question is April 2011 to April 2013. The savings figures in the table show the total decrease in spend over the life of contracts for individual prisons arising from either one-off or annually negotiated reductions. Some savings figures reported in the table will be subject to annual pricing indexation adjustment in accordance with the terms of the relevant contract.
	
		
			 Prison Total estimated savings (£) 
			 HMP Altcourse 22,571,189 
			 HMP Ashfield 429,000 
			 HMP Birmingham 1,831,080 
			 HMP Bronzefield 17,803,004 
			 HMP Dovegate 2,420,196 
			 HMP Forest Bank 18,187,444 
			 HMP Lowdham Grange 1,500,413 
			 HMP Parc 11,374,443 
			 HMP Peterborough 20,276,250 
			 HMP Rye Hill 21,960 
			 HMP Wolds 599,845 
		
	
	PQ160091
	The information is provided in a table which will be placed in the Library of the House. The review period for data relating to this question is May 2010 to present day, as requested.

Prisons: Security

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) full and (b) part Tornado teams were provided from each prison establishment in England and Wales in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: Operation Tornado is the code name used by the National Offender Management Service to describe mutual aid arrangements across the prison estate in England and Wales. These arrangements are in place to assist establishments response to serious incidents, such as concerted indiscipline, mass evacuation, etc., by providing specially trained resources above and beyond those already available at an establishment. The size of a prison determines the extent to which it is able to contribute to Operation Tornado. A full Tornado Unit consists of two section commanders and 12 staff. Smaller establishments provide what is called a “half team”, being half this deployment.
	Details of the number of Tornado Teams or half teams provided from each establishment are only available for 2013 and are set out in the following table. Information about the number of teams provided for the preceding years is not held centrally and could be determined only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 Details of the number of operational Tornado teams or half teams provided by prison establishment in 2013 
			 Establishment Commitment (number of units) 
			 Altcourse 2 
			 Ashfield 1 
			 Askham Grange 0 
			 Aylesbury 1 
			 Bedford 1 
			 Belmarsh 2 
			 Birmingham 1.5 
			 Blantyre House 0 
			 Blundeston 1 
			 Brinsford 1 
			 Bristol 1 
			 Brixton 0 
			 Bronzefield 1 
			 Buckley Hall 0.50 
			 Bullingdon 1 
			 Bure 0.50 
			 Cardiff 2 
			 Channings Wood 1 
			 Chelmsford 1 
			 Coldingley 1 
			 Cookham Wood 1 
			 Dartmoor 1 
			 Deerbolt 1 
			 Doncaster 2 
			 Dorchester 1 
			 Dovegate 1 
			 Dover(1) 0.50 
			 Downview 0.50 
			 Drake Hall 0 
			 Durham 1.5 
			 East Sutton Park 0 
			 Eastwood Park 1 
			 Elmley 2 
			 Erlestoke 1 
			 Everthorpe 1 
			 Exeter 1 
			 Featherstone 1 
			 Feltham 2 
			 Ford 0 
			 Forest Bank 2 
			 Foston Hall 0 
			 Frankland 2 
			 Full Sutton 2 
			 Garth 1.5 
			 Gartree 1 
			 Glen Parva 2 
			 Grendon/Spring Hill 1 
			 Guys Marsh 1 
			 Haslar(1) 0.50 
			 Hatfield 0 
			 Haverigg 1 
			 Hewell 1 
			 Highdown 1 
		
	
	
		
			 Highpoint 1 
			 Hindley 1 
			 Hollesley Bay 0 
			 Holloway 1 
			 Holme House 1.5 
			 Hull 1.5 
			 Huntercombe 1 
			 Isle of Wight 2 
			 Isis 1 
			 Kennet 0.50 
			 Kirkham 0 
			 Kirklevington Grange 0 
			 Lancaster Farms 1.5 
			 Leeds 1.5 
			 Leicester 1 
			 Lewes 1 
			 Leyhill 0 
			 Lincoln 1 
			 Lindholme 1.5 
			 Littlehey 1 
			 Liverpool 1.5 
			 Long Lartin 2 
			 Low Newton 0.50 
			 Lowdham Grange 1 
			 Maidstone 1 
			 Manchester 2 
			 Moorland 1.5 
			 Morton Hall(1) 0 
			 New Hall 1 
			 North Sea Camp 0 
			 Northallerton 0 
			 Northumberland 1.5 
			 Norwich 1.5 
			 Nottingham 2 
			 Oakwood 2 
			 Onley 1 
			 Parc 2 
			 Pentonville 2 
			 Peterborough 2 
			 Portland 1 
			 Preston 1.5 
			 Ranby 1 
			 Reading 0.50 
			 Risley 1.5 
			 Rochester 1 
			 Rye Hill 1 
			 Send 0 
			 Stafford 1 
			 Standford Hill 0 
			 Stocken 1 
			 Stoke Heath 1 
			 Styal 0.50 
			 Sudbury 0 
			 Swaleside 2 
			 Swansea 1 
			 Swinfen Hall 1 
			 Thameside 2 
			 The Mount I 
			 The Verne 1 
			 Thorn Cross 0 
			 Usk/Prescoed 0 
			 Wakefield 2 
			 Wandsworth 2 
			 Warren Hill 0 
		
	
	
		
			 Wayland 1 
			 Wealstun 1 
			 Werrington 0 
			 Wetherby 0 
			 Whatton 1 
			 Whitemoor 2 
			 Winchester 1 
			 Wolds 1 
			 Woodhill 2 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 2 
			 Wymott 1.5 
			 (1 )Immigration Removal Centre

Prisons: Seized Articles

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many seizures of (a) Class A drugs, (b) mobile telephones and (c) knives there were from each prison in London in 2012.

Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the number of drug and mobile phone seizures in each prison in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) London region in 2012.
	
		
			 Prison Drugs Mobile phones 
			 Belmarsh 10 8 
			 Brixton 18 15 
			 Bronzefield 19 3 
			 Coldingley 5 28 
			 Downview 3 2 
			 Feltham 21 45 
			 High Down 2 35 
			 Holloway 5 10 
			 Isis—Opened March 2012 8 38 
			 Pentonville 53 120 
			 Send 0 11 
			 Thameside 19 7 
			 Wandsworth 7 115 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 34 39 
			 Totals 204 476 
		
	
	Drugs seizures include all seizures of drugs and drug paraphernalia. The data held centrally are not differentiated by Class of drug and include seizures of drug paraphernalia. To disaggregate Class A drugs from the data would require manually examining each record, which is not possible without incurring disproportionate cost.
	One mobile phone seizure could constitute a phone only, a SIM card only, or a mobile phone with one SIM card or media card inside.
	Seizures of knives are held on the NOMS Incident Reporting System under a miscellaneous category. To disaggregate the knife incidents from other miscellaneous incidents would require manually examining each one, which is not possible without incurring disproportionate cost.
	All figures in this answer have been drawn from live administrative data systems which may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. The data are not subject to audit.

Prisons: Staff

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many full-time equivalent staff were employed in (a) publicly run prisons and (b) privately run prisons on 1 April in each year since 2008;
	(2)  how many full-time equivalent staff were employed in the Prisons Service in each year since 2008.

Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of full-time equivalent staff employed in public and private sector Prison Service establishments each year since 2008 is contained in the following table. Information for 2013 has not yet been published and so has not been included in the table.
	The public sector and private sector estates are not directly comparable, in size, complexity or function. For example, in 2012 there were 117 public sector establishments compared with 14 in the private sector. All of the High Security prisons, which typically have some of the highest number of staff are also in the public sector. The figures provided for the Public Sector Prison Service also include staff in regional support teams for which there is no equivalent in the private sector. The number of private sector establishments has increased over the period from 11 in 2008 to 14 in 2012. Included in the increase in private sector establishments was the movement of HMP Birmingham from public to private sector management in October 2011.
	
		
			 Full-time equivalent staff in public and private sector Prison Service Establishments—April 2008 to 2012 
			  Public sector Private sector Total 
			 2008 46,790 4,800 53,590 
			 2009 47,420 4,820 54,250 
			 2010 45,670 5,080 52,760 
			 2011 44,920 5,100 52,030 
			 2012 41,690 5,700 49,400 
			 Notes: 1. Public sector includes staff working in establishments and in regional support teams. 2. Public sector data relates to 31 March in each year. 3. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. Totals are rounded separately, and as such may not equal the sum of the rounded parts.

Prisons: Voluntary Work

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what guidelines his Department issues to prison governors on the engagement of volunteers in prisons.

Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has issued two guidance documents to prison governors and directors of contracted prisons covering services provided by partner organisations, including those using volunteers. These are:
	‘Prison Service Instruction 43/2010 Pre-Appointment Security Vetting’; and
	‘Prison Service Instruction 31/2012 Security Vetting: Additional Risk Assessment Criteria Following Disclosed Criminal Convictions (Ex Offenders)’.
	The latter was introduced following feedback from the voluntary sector. It ensures that suitable ex-offenders can enter prisons to provide rehabilitative support to their peers following local risk assessment.
	A series of guides on volunteering and mentoring in the criminal justice system, funded by the Ministry of Justice and produced by the charity Clinks, have been publicised to prison governors through the NOMS website. NOMS has also helped the Prison Reform Trust to distribute their report on volunteering within prisons by prisoners, ‘Time Well Spent’, to all governors and directors.
	Under the Department's Transforming Rehabilitation reforms, the market will be opened up to a diverse range of new providers. We expect this to result in greater use of volunteers. Current guidelines will be kept under review to ensure they reflect any changes resulting from these reforms.
	The documents cited above can be found via the following web links:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/psipso/psi2010/psi_2010_43_security_vetting_aug_2010.doc
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/psipso/psi-2012/psi-31-2012-security-vetting-ex-offenders.doc
	http://www.clinks.org/vol_guides
	http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/Time%20Well%20Spent%20report%20lo.pdf

Racially Aggravated Offences

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the ethnicity of the (a) offender and (b) victim was in each racially aggravated offence recorded in each of the last five years.

Jeremy Wright: The ethnicity of the offenders found guilty at all courts of offences containing a racially aggravated description, in England and Wales, in each year from 2008 to 2012 (latest available) can be viewed in the table.
	Following the introduction of the Libra case management system during 2008, the recording of ethnicities improved and the numbers recorded as not stated or unknown decreased.
	For reporting purposes as from 1 September 2009 racial and religiously aggravated offences cannot be separately identified by the Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database.
	Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database does not include the circumstances behind each case beyond the description provided in the statute. It is not possible to separately identify from this centrally held information the ethnicity of the victims of racially aggravated offences.
	Specific information on recorded crimes is the responsibility of the Home Office (HO).
	
		
			 Table 1: Offenders found guilty at all courts of offences that contain a racially or racially/religiously aggravated description, by ethnicity and year(1,2,3) 
			   Year 
			 Offence description(4) Ethnicity of offender(5) 2008(6) 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Racial malicious wounding and other like offences (incl. ABH) White 1,024 1,550 775 333 137 
			  Black 68 116 51 33 12 
			  Asian 49 70 54 17 11 
			  Other 18 32 16 6 — 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 815 384 84 40 19 
			        
			 Racial or religious malicious wounding and other like offences (incl. ABH) White 205 394 1,672 2,194 2,358 
			  Black 12 22 107 158 196 
			  Asian 16 19 85 110 117 
			  Other 4 13 21 22 29 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 226 92 172 232 231 
			        
			 Racially aggravated other criminal damage White 125 154 45 16 8 
			  Black 3 3 2 — — 
			  Asian — 2 1 1 — 
			  Other — — 1 — 1 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 74 26 3 2 — 
			        
			 Racially or religiously aggravated other criminal damage White 32 48 189 205 202 
			  Black 1 2 5 9 5 
			  Asian 1 4 2 4 4 
			  Other — 1 2 1 1 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 36 10 6 7 14 
			        
		
	
	
		
			 Racially aggravated other offences against the State and Public Order White 289 377 172 56 30 
			  Black 18 39 11 8 6 
			  Asian 16 18 7 5 1 
			  Other 4 8 4 1 — 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 264 93 26 14 4 
			        
			 Racially or religiously aggravated other offences against the State and Public Order White 96 117 435 445 502 
			  Black 8 4 30 37 32 
			  Asian 6 4 20 20 22 
			  Other 5 1 4 6 7 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 65 30 46 48 50 
			        
			 Racially aggravated harassment alarm or distress, White 1,146 1,837 623 165 125 
			  Black 49 148 58 24 16 
			  Asian 40 90 53 16 17 
			  Other 20 37 6 7 1 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 1,009 424 121 42 32 
			        
			 Racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress White 180 290 1,818 1,907 1,803 
			  Black 7 23 147 154 144 
			  Asian 6 14 85 127 82 
			  Other 2 6 36 16 19 
			  Not Stated/Unknown 156 79 209 241 207 
			 Total  6,095 6,561 7,202 6,729 6,445 
			 (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Following the introduction of the Libra case management system during 2008, the recording of ethnicities improved and the numbers recorded as not stated or unknown decreased. (4) From 1 September 2009 racially aggravated offences became obsolete and racially and religiously aggravated offences (already in use) were used in their place. Offenders found guilty under racially aggravated offences after 1 September 2009 relate to offences that took place prior to this date. (5) Officer identified ethnicity. (6) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Rape

Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many of those found guilty of rape in 2012 were (a) under 18 years, (b) between 18 and 21 years and (c) over 21 years old;
	(2)  how many of those found guilty of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault and (c) grievous bodily harm were sentenced to a non-custodial sentence in 2012;
	(3)  what the average number of previous convictions held by those found guilty of rape in 2012 was.

Jeremy Wright: In 2012 the majority of offenders convicted of rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm received a custodial sentence. For rape, nearly all, 94% of offenders received a custodial sentence. For sexual assault more than half received a custodial sentence and for grievous bodily around two thirds received a custodial sentence.
	For the number of offenders found guilty at all courts and sentenced to a non custodial sentence for rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm, by age breakdown, in England and Wales for the period of 2012 (latest available) can be viewed in the table.
	The average number of previous convictions for any offence for those convicted of rape in 2012 is 4.17. The average is derived from the number of previous conviction occasions where an offender was sentenced.
	
		
			 Offenders found guilty at all courts and sentenced to a non custodial sentence for rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm, by age, England and Wales, 2012(1,2) 
			 Offence and outcome Under 18 years 18 to 21-year-olds Over 21 
			 Rape(3)    
			 Found guilty 96 140 909 
			 Non Custodial Sentences    
			 Absolute discharge 1 0 0 
			 Community sentence 34 5 7 
			 Suspended sentence 0 0 1 
			 Otherwise dealt with 5 5 9 
			     
			 Sexual Assault(4)    
			 Found guilty 185 173 1,966 
			 Non Custodial Sentences    
			 Absolute discharge 2 0 2 
			 Conditional discharge 2 5 35 
			 Fine 0 3 39 
			 Community sentence 144 65 514 
			 Suspended sentence 0 23 243 
			 Otherwise dealt with 8 13 46 
			     
			 Grievous bodily harm(5)    
			 Found guilty 443 1,308 3,928 
			 Non Custodial Sentences    
			 Absolute discharge 1 0 1 
			 Conditional discharge 2 0 5 
			 Fine 0 1 6 
			 Community sentence 249 96 199 
			 Suspended sentence 0 334 900 
			 Otherwise dealt with 29 10 70 
			 (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Sexual Offences Act 2003, s1 and s5 (4) Sexual Offences Act 2003, s2, s3, s6, s7 (5) Offences against the Person Act 1861, s20. s18 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Referral Panels

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what proportion of referral panel members fell within the age range (a) 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 and  (f) over 70 in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(2)  what proportion of referral panel members fell in each ethnic category in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(3)  how many of referral panel members were (a) women and (b) men in the most recent year for which information is available;
	(4)  what information his Department holds on the socio-economic background of referral panel members.

Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not held centrally. The responsibility for the recruitment of volunteers to youth offender panels lies with local authorities and their youth offending teams.
	Statutory guidance on youth offender panels states that youth offending teams must aim to recruit members to panels that are properly representative of the local community. Opportunities for participation in youth offender panels must be open to all, regardless of age, ethnic or racial origin, gender, sexual orientation, social background, religion, disability or any other irrelevant factor. The guidance is available online at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/youth-justice/referral-orders/referral-order-guidance.pdf?type=Finjan-Download &slot=00000025&id=00000424&location=0A644212

Reoffenders

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders who breached their licence conditions or re-offended whilst on licence were (a) returned to prison to serve the full sentence, (b) returned to prison to serve a shorter sentence than the remaining period of their licence and (c) not returned to prison in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jeremy Wright: Information on the length of time to be served upon recall to custody is not available within centrally held licence recall data sources. Information on the number of offenders recalled and those not returned to custody is routinely published within the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly bulletin. The latest available information on the number of offenders recalled to custody and not returned to custody as at 31 March 2013 can be found within the licence recall tables via the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender-management-statistics-quarterly--2
	Over the period 1999 to March 2013, a total of 622,000 offenders were released from prison on licence supervision. Between April 1999 and March 2013, 155,498 of those released on licence were recalled to custody for breaching the conditions of their licence, eg failing to report to their probation officer. Of all those recalled to custody, less than 1% (998) had not been returned to custody by the end of June 2013. This total may include some offenders believed to be dead or living outside of the UK but who have not been confirmed as dead or deported.
	Offenders serving a sentence of 12 months and over are released from prison, in most cases automatically at the halfway point of their sentence, under licensed supervision to the probation service. They are all subject to a set of standard licence conditions, requiring them to report regularly to the probation service, live at an address approved by the probation service and to be of good behaviour.
	There are various reasons why offenders are recalled to custody for breaching their licence conditions besides committing a further offence. For example, an offender may be recalled if there is any deterioration in behaviour which leads the probation service to conclude that there is an increased risk of the offender committing further offences.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Reoffenders

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders released on licence following a life sentence have committed (a) homicide and (b) other offences in each of the last two years.

Jeremy Wright: Data on life sentence prisoners who commit offences of homicide are taken from the NOMS Public Protection Unit Database.
	The most recent figures were published in July 2012 and may be found at the following web address:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/163377/2012-compendium-reoffending-stats-analysis.pdf.pdf
	In the last two years there were four murders committed by four offenders on life licence, two in each year. To provide some context, there are around 1,900 life sentence prisoners on supervision in the community at any one time.
	Data on offenders released on life licences who have committed offences other than murder are not held centrally in a readily accessible format for the last two years. To obtain these data would exceed cost limits.
	However, there are also data from published proven re-offending statistics for England and Wales for life sentenced prisoners. These statistics are published on a quarterly basis and the latest bulletin, which was published on 26 April 2013 on the Ministry of Justice website, is available at the following address:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proven-re-offending--2

RSPCA

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times the RSPCA has achieved a criminal conviction in each of the last 15 years; how many of those convictions were for breaches of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 in each such year; and what the nature was of each offence, by type.

Jeremy Wright: Officials in my Department are currently establishing what information is held centrally to identify the prosecuting authority in each case.
	However, it is known that this information is not held centrally for periods prior to 2008 due to changes in the data collection method, and so the information requested could be obtained from court files only at disproportionate cost.
	I will write to my hon. Friend at the conclusion of this investigation to advise what information is available.

RSPCA

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many private prosecutions were brought by the RSPCA (a) in the five years prior to November 2010 and (b) in each year since.

Jeremy Wright: Officials in my Department are currently establishing what information is held centrally to identify the prosecuting authority in each case.
	However, it is known that this information is not held centrally for periods prior to 2008 due to changes in the data collection method, and so the information requested could be obtained from court files only at disproportionate cost
	I will write to my hon. Friend at the conclusion of this investigation to advise what information is available.

Sentencing

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the sentencing outcomes in each offence group for those sentenced for either-way offences has been in (a) Crown courts following the defendant's election for a jury trial and (b) magistrates courts in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: Offenders sentenced at the Crown court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in Table 1.
	Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2012 (latest available), can be viewed in Table 2.
	The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. This database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances of each case. It is not possible to separately identify from this centrally held information those defendants who appeared for trial at the Crown court who elected for a jury trial from those who appeared for trial at the Crown court after being committed for trial by a magistrate.
	
		
			 Table 1: Offenders sentenced at the Crown court, after being tried at the Crown court, for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-12(1, 2) 
			 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012 
			 Violence against the person Sentenced 15,728 14,485 11,610 
			  Absolute discharge 7 5 9 
			  Conditional discharge 383 280 185 
			  Fine 179 136 91 
		
	
	
		
			  Community sentence 3,350 2,826 1,933 
			  Suspended sentence 4,857 4,394 3,619 
			  Otherwise dealt with 480 354 213 
			  Immediate custody 6,472 6,490 5,560 
			  Custody rate(3) 41.1 44.8 47.9 
			      
			 Sexual offences Sentenced 2,140 2,301 2,064 
			  Absolute discharge 1 3 2 
			  Conditional discharge 46 33 24 
			  Fine 16 12 11 
			  Community sentence 555 598 514 
			  Suspended sentence 247 290 265 
			  Otherwise dealt with 43 64 55 
			  Immediate custody 1,232 1,301 1,193 
			  Custody rate(3) 57.6 56.5 57.8 
			      
			 Burglary Sentenced 7,231 7,961 7,636 
			  Absolute discharge 2 1 0 
			  Conditional discharge 26 22 19 
			  Fine 15 13 3 
			  Community sentence 1,058 923 810 
			  Suspended sentence 983 1,008 1,005 
			  Otherwise dealt with 35 38 40 
			  Immediate custody 5,112 5,956 5,759 
			  Custody rate(3) 70.7 74.8 75.4 
			      
			 Theft and handling stolen goods Sentenced 7,343 7,334 6,066 
			  Absolute discharge 5 5 2 
			  Conditional discharge 527 392 236 
			  Fine 248 184 130 
			  Community sentence 1,909 1,761 1,324 
			  Suspended sentence 1,748 1,735 1,646 
			  Otherwise dealt with 58 57 31 
			  Immediate custody 2,848 3,200 2,697 
			  Custody rate(3) 38.8 43.6 44.5 
			      
			 Fraud and forgery Sentenced 4,337 4,381 3,586 
			  Absolute discharge 2 4 4 
			  Conditional discharge 211 155 101 
			  Fine 108 64 58 
			  Community sentence 1,019 841 582 
			  Suspended sentence 1,461 1,540 1,369 
			  Otherwise dealt with 16 12 14 
			  Immediate custody 1,520 1,765 1,458 
			  Custody rate(3) 35.0 40.3 40.7 
			      
			 Criminal damage Sentenced 1,054 927 574 
			  Absolute discharge 2 2 2 
			  Conditional discharge 134 67 31 
			  Fine 39 36 8 
			  Community sentence 320 246 143 
			  Suspended sentence 192 185 131 
			  Otherwise dealt with 63 47 37 
			  Immediate custody 304 344 222 
		
	
	
		
			  Custody rate(3) 28.8 37.1 38.7 
			      
			 Drug offences Sentenced 12,484 12,203 11,560 
			  Absolute discharge 9 10 7 
			  Conditional discharge 347 289 265 
			  Fine 311 227 204 
			  Community sentence 1,807 1,621 1,735 
			  Suspended sentence 2,557 2,666 2,717 
			  Otherwise dealt with 101 110 100 
			  Immediate custody 7,352 7,280 6,532 
			  Custody rate(3) 58.9 59.7 56.5 
			      
			 Other indictable offences Sentenced 10,208 9,610 7,452 
			  Absolute discharge 17 19 11 
			  Conditional discharge 292 221 141 
			  Fine 432 359 254 
			  Community sentence 2,505 2,020 1,613 
			  Suspended sentence 2,647 2,423 1,923 
			  Otherwise dealt with 447 406 237 
			  Immediate custody 3,868 4,162 3,273 
			  Custody rate(3) 37.9 43.3 43.9 
			 (1 )The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) The proportion of offenders sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Offenders sentenced at magistrates courts for triable either-way offences, by offence group and sentence outcome, England and Wales, 2010-12(1, 2) 
			 Offence group Sentence outcome 2010 2011 2012 
			 Violence against the person Sentenced 22,536 21,482 18,483 
			  Absolute discharge 73 68 74 
			  Conditional discharge 1,366 1,406 1,246 
			  Fine 1,836 2,082 2,163 
			  Community sentence 11,975 10,461 8,132 
			  Suspended sentence 3,017 2,877 2,545 
			  Otherwise dealt with 852 793 630 
			  Immediate custody 3,417 3,795 3,693 
			  Custody rate(3) 15.2 17.7 20.0 
			      
			 Sexual offences Sentenced 1,321 1,347 1,308 
			  Absolute discharge 4 5 3 
			  Conditional discharge 76 54 62 
			  Fine 92 107 91 
			  Community sentence 843 844 780 
			  Suspended sentence 110 120 124 
			  Otherwise dealt with 43 52 46 
			  Immediate custody 153 165 202 
			  Custody rate(3) 11.6 12.2 15.4 
			      
			 Burglary Sentenced 12,976 13,329 10,705 
			  Absolute discharge 20 30 12 
			  Conditional discharge 496 481 318 
			  Fine 358 366 264 
		
	
	
		
			  Community sentence 7,498 7,470 5,771 
			  Suspended sentence 1,089 1,185 1,021 
			  Otherwise dealt with 563 471 395 
			  Immediate custody 2,952 3,326 2,924 
			  Custody rate(3) 22.7 25.0 27.3 
			      
			 Theft and handling stolen goods Sentenced 108,734 108,639 100,209 
			  Absolute discharge 586 561 522 
			  Conditional discharge 23,949 23,661 22,120 
			  Fine 16,433 16,772 15,911 
			  Community sentence 39,263 38,738 32,561 
			  Suspended sentence 5,483 5,862 5,695 
			  Otherwise dealt with 5,864 5,470 5,512 
			  Immediate custody 17,156 17,575 17,888 
			  Custody rate(3) 15.8 16.2 17.9 
			      
			 Fraud and forgery Sentenced 12,758 11,916 9,793 
			  Absolute discharge 29 24 36 
			  Conditional discharge 2,124 1,917 1,457 
			  Fine 2,479 2,260 1,775 
			  Community sentence 5,662 5,238 4,100 
			  Suspended sentence 1,128 1,206 1,189 
			  Otherwise dealt with 376 334 321 
			  Immediate custody 960 937 915 
			  Custody rate(3) 7.5 7.9 9.3 
			      
			 Criminal damage Sentenced 5,967 5,359 4,645 
			  Absolute discharge 58 54 47 
			  Conditional discharge 1,393 1,215 1,087 
			  Fine 775 734 725 
			  Community sentence 2,811 2,467 1,965 
			  Suspended sentence 148 167 140 
			  Otherwise dealt with 425 363 379 
			  Immediate custody 357 359 302 
			  Custody rate(3) 6.0 6.7 6.5 
			      
			 Drug offences Sentenced 46,395 45,686 42,525 
			  Absolute discharge 414 412 399 
			  Conditional discharge 8,102 7,953 8,471 
			  Fine 22,963 23,010 21,025 
			  Community sentence 11,072 10,475 8,973 
			  Suspended sentence 712 759 596 
			  Otherwise dealt with 1,966 2,002 2,027 
			  Immediate custody 1,166 1,075 1,034 
			  Custody rate(3) 2.5 2.4 2.4 
			      
			 Other indictable offences Sentenced 36,081 32,774 28,540 
			  Absolute discharge 575 568 438 
			  Conditional discharge 2,836 2,623 2,394 
			  Fine 12,863 11,862 10,796 
			  Community sentence 8,131 5,192 4,045 
			  Suspended sentence 1,410 1,315 1,216 
			  Otherwise dealt with 5,283 6,598 5,554 
			  Immediate custody 4,983 4,616 4,097 
		
	
	
		
			  Custody rate(3) 13.8 14.1 14.4 
			 (1 )The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) The proportion of offenders sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Sentencing: Appeals

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to allow the Crown Prosecution Service to appeal to the Crown Court against convictions and sentences from magistrates' courts.

Helen Grant: It is a long-standing principle that a person should not be subjected to trial twice for the same offence. Exceptions to this 'double jeopardy' rule, which are rare, are limited to Crown court cases only. In summary cases, although the prosecution may challenge a decision that appears to be wrong in law or in excess of jurisdiction, it has no right of appeal against a decision to dismiss or against sentence, and the Government has no plans to change this.

Small Claims

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the likely effect of raising the small claims limit on the (a) number of cases going through the small claims court and (b) number of litigants in person;
	(2)  when he plans to publish his response to the consultation on reducing the number and cost of whiplash claims.

Helen Grant: On 16 May I announced in a written ministerial statement that the Government would defer its response to the ‘reducing the number and cost of whiplash claims’ consultation until after the Transport Committee had published its own report and recommendations in this area. The Committee's report was published on 31 July and is being considered, along with the responses received to the consultation. The Government's response will be published later this year.
	Alongside our consultation paper, the Government published an impact assessment on the potential effects of the proposal to increase the ‘small claims limit’ for personal injury claims. A revised impact assessment will be published at the same time as the Government's response to the consultation.

Social Networking

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will list all Twitter accounts for which officials of his Department (a) have had and (b) currently have responsibility for (i) monitoring and (ii) updating.

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice is responsible for three Twitter accounts. The following Twitter accounts are monitored and updated across the Department, @mojgovuk, @mojpress, @mojubrennan.
	There is also a dormant account called @justicegovuk which is not managed or monitored.

Travel

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what his Department's budget for ministerial travel for (a) the Government Car Service, (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other is for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16;
	(2)  how much his Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) Government Car Service, (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other means in each year of the current parliament.

Damian Green: The Department does not budget separately for ministerial travel within Private Office. The travel budget for Private Office includes travel for both Ministers and Private Office staff who may accompany on visits, external meetings and overseas trips.
	The travel budget is not apportioned to transport categories for rail, taxis and aviation.
	Forecasting travel for ministers is dictated by government policy and political events.
	Information relating to the Department's budget allocated to Private Office for travel for each year in the current parliament is included in the following table:
	
		
			 £ 
			 Period Budget Spend 
			 2011-12 234,000 82,000 
			 2012-13 233,000 35,000 
			 2013-14 103,000 — 
		
	
	The provision of transport for ministers is currently under review with a number of options being trailed at present. Therefore, it is not yet possible to forecast budget required for 2014-15 and 2015-16 at the level of detail requested.
	The Budget for the Government Car Service for 2013-14 is £150, 000. Details of the charges incurred by Departments for the use of official Government cars provided to Ministers by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency (GCDA) are published in an annual WMS published by Department for Transport. These can be accessed via the following links:
	2009/10:
	http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/101028m0001.htm# 10102827000372
	2010/11:
	http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120116/wmstext/120116m0001.htm# 12011611000194
	2010/12:
	http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm121220/wmstext/121220m0001.htm#12122056000216
	2012/13:
	Will be published in due course.
	The Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, dramatically reduced the circumstances in which Ministers are entitled and allocated cars and drivers, with a move to a Ministerial Car Pool System.
	There are no formal arrangements for ministerial car travel other than that provided by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency and private hire vehicles are not used by ministers in the Department.
	Information relating to expenditure for ministerial travel by taxis for each year in the current parliament is included in the following table:
	
		
			 Period Cost (£) 
			 2010-11 [1 April - 31 March] 1,193 
			 2011-12 954 
			 2012-13 461 
		
	
	The Department's policy on travel by taxi (or use of the government car service) is that it is not an entitlement and, where possible, journeys should be made by public transport. Taxi fares may be reimbursed only where there is no other suitable form of public transport, or where heavy luggage has to be transported, or where the saving in officials' time is important. Where necessary, a standing arrangement may be made, say, for the conveyance of a large number of files from a court office to a separate court building.
	All Ministers are encouraged to walk or use public transport wherever practicable.
	For expenditure on rail and aviation we are unable to provide the information because no central records are maintained. To ascertain this information, expense claims would need to be reviewed individually for claims submitted over the period in question; this would involve disproportionate cost.

Trials

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many criminal trials at the (a) Crown Court and (b) magistrates' court were cracked because of (i) a late guilty plea being accepted, (ii) a guilty plea to an alternative new charge, (iii) the defendant being bound over and (iv) the prosecution ending the case in 2012-13.

Helen Grant: The number of cracked criminal trial hearings by reason is published as part of the quarterly National Statistics bulletin ‘Court Statistics Quarterly’. Data up to March 2013 was released on the 20 June 2013 and is available at the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/court-statistics-quarterly-jan-mar-2013
	The following table details cracked trials by reason and court type for the 12 months ending March 2013.
	
		
			 Cracked trial hearings(1) by reason and court type, England and Wales, 12 months ending March 2013 
			 Number of hearings 
			  Court type 
			 Outcome and reason Magistrates courts Crown court 
			 Trials 152,676 36,329 
			 Cracked: 58,834 13,286 
			 Accepted guilty plea(s) entered late 30,560 8,511 
			 Accepted guilty plea(s) to alternative new charge 4,173 2,181 
			 Defendant bound over 697 128 
			 Prosecution end case 23,356 2,452 
			 Other(2) 48 14 
			 (1 )A cracked trial does not commence on the scheduled date and the trial is not rescheduled, as a trial hearing is no longer required. (2 )'Other' includes where the 'defendant is deceased' or 'unable to proceed with trial because defendant incapable through alcohol/drugs'. Source: Criminal Court Statistics, Justice Statistics Analytical Services

Unpaid Fines

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the total amount of uncollected fines issued by courts is.

Helen Grant: The total amount of financial penalties (excluding confiscation) outstanding at the end of March 2013 was £575,507,170. This amount includes the balance outstanding of fines, costs orders, compensation orders, victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder which are registered as fines for enforcement purposes. The amount outstanding includes the balance on accounts that are being paid by instalments or are not yet due for payment. The amount outstanding can relate to amounts that were imposed in the 2012-13 year or any previous year.
	The balance on accounts remains outstanding until the impositions are paid in full or cancelled. Financial impositions are only administratively cancelled in accordance with a strict write off criteria, after all attempts to collect the amount outstanding have been made. The circumstances under which amounts can be administratively cancelled can include offenders who have gone abroad with little prospect of return, offenders who have been sent to a mental health institution for 12 months or more, and offenders who have died. They can also include cases where offenders who cannot be traced and the imposition is over 12 months old, and all reasonable steps have been taken to enforce the amount. Financial impositions which are administratively cancelled can be written back on to the system if more information, for instance a new address, is found.
	HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide.
	In the 2012-13 financial year the total amount outstanding was reduced by £17.8 million (3%), and the total amount collected of £284 million was a record high.

Unpaid Fines: Nottinghamshire

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what level of unpaid fines are owed to the courts in (a) Nottingham and (b) Nottinghamshire.

Helen Grant: It is not possible to identify the value of financial impositions outstanding in just Nottingham.
	The total amount outstanding for financial impositions in Nottinghamshire at the end of March 2013 was £6,051,107.
	Financial impositions include fines imposed in the magistrates and Crown courts, costs orders, compensation orders, victim surcharge orders and unpaid fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder which are registered as fines for enforcement. The balance outstanding includes accounts that were being paid by instalments or were not due for payment by the end of the year.
	HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down on fine defaulters is .a continued priority nationwide.

Victim Support: North Yorkshire

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much core grant was provided by his Department to Victims Support for services to support its (a) Crown Court Witness Service and (b) Magistrates' Court Witness Service in North Yorkshire in each year since 2004-05.

Helen Grant: The Government provides a grant of £38 million per year to victim support to provide core services to support victims and witnesses; this has increased from £30 million in the year 2004-05.
	The Grant Agreement stipulates that this must provide a national court based witness service that is free at the point of use, and is independent of the police and courts.
	The core Grant Agreement does not specify the amounts to be spent on the provision of the witness service nationally or at regional or court level. Victim support estimates that the witness service costs £13 million per year, and provides 1.1 million hours per year of support to witnesses on a national basis.
	Victim support has provided the following figures for the period requested:
	
		
			  Total Government funding to victim support (£ million) North Yorks: Funding allocated to Crown court witness service North Yorks: Funding allocated to magistrates court witness service 
			 2004-05 30 17,865 105,496 
			 2005-06 30 25,600 97,406 
			 2006-07 30 25,600 97,406 
			 2007-08 35.8 25,600 97,406 
			 2008-09 37 28,586 74,354 
			 2009-10 38.2 31,056 87,430 
			 2010-11 44.3 27,776 84,203 
			 2011-12 38 26,314 95,295 
			 2012-13 37.8 (1)64,964 Included in Crown figure 
			 (1 )Victim support no longer separate out magistrates court from Crown court spend. The 2012-13 figure is less than previous years following a local restructure.

Wales

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department provides services to people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales.

Helen Grant: The Ministry of Justice and its agencies provide a wide range of services to people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales. These include (but are not limited to) offender management and probation services; courts and tribunals services; provision of legal aid; youth justice services; public guardianship services; criminal injuries compensation; and claims management regulation.

Welsh Language

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department has a current Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May 2011.

Helen Grant: The Ministry of Justice's current Welsh Language Scheme was published on 24 March 2010. The scheme is monitored every year and an Annual Monitoring Report sent to the Welsh Language Board/Welsh Language Commissioner. The scheme is currently being reviewed with the aim of publishing an updated scheme in 2014.

Work Capability Assessment: Appeals

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost to his Department of appeals made against the outcome of work capability assessments was in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.

Helen Grant: The First-tier Tribunal—Social Security and Child Support (SSCS), administered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA) (decisions in which the work capability assessment is a key factor) rather than appeals against work capability assessment outcomes themselves.
	The estimated total cost of the 189,459 ESA appeals in which the work capability assessment was a factor disposed of during the period April 2011 to March 2012 is £43 million.
	The estimated total cost of the 234,055 ESA appeals in which the work capability assessment was a factor disposed of during the period April 2012 to March 2013 is £58 million.
	These estimated costs were calculated by multiplying the average cost of an individual SSCS tribunal case in 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively by the number of ESA appeals disposed of, in which the work capability assessment was a factor.
	The increased cost is due to inflationary uplifts and also due to the expansion of the tribunal to deal with the increased volume of appeals received.
	HMCTS constantly reviews and continually improves its administrative processes in order to drive down the costs of SSCS appeals.

Young Offenders

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many individuals held in secure children's homes have been convicted of crimes for their behaviour since entering the establishment in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many individuals held in young offenders institutions have been convicted of further crimes for their behaviour since entering the establishment in each of the last three years;
	(3)  how many people currently held in a secure training centre have been convicted of further crimes for their behaviour since entering the establishment in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. This database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not all the specific circumstances of each case. The Youth Justice Board centrally collate data on individuals held in Secure Children's Homes, Secure Training Centres and Youth Offenders Institutions, but at present these two data sources are not matched. It is not therefore possible to identify the number of individuals who have been convicted of crimes for their behaviour whilst in the youth secure estate.
	Prosecutions are brought about in circumstances where this is a proper and proportionate response. The Code for Crown Prosecutors states that Crown Prosecutors must consider the interests of the youth, amongst other public interest factors, when deciding whether a prosecution is needed. All criminal justice agencies, when dealing with youths, must have regard to the principal aim of the youth justice system which is to prevent offending by young persons.

Youth Custody: Barnsley

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of young offenders ordinarily resident in Barnsley East constituency have been given custodial sentences in the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. This database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not all the specific circumstances of each case. Information on where a defendant resides is not included in the information collated centrally.

Youth Work

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much funding his Department allocated for youth work in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice provides funding to a number of youth work programmes. These include contributions to education for young offenders, the Troubled Families programme, grants made by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) to youth offending teams (YOT) to develop good practice and commission research and YJB grants to other organisations.
	
		
			 £ million 
			 Funding details 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 The Department's contribution to Youth Justice Board grants to youth offending teams in England and Wales 119.0 101.0 101.0 
			 Youth Justice Board grants to other organisations for youth work in England and Wales 2.6 3.3 4.3 
			 Funding for the education of young offenders in youth offender institutions (YOIs) in England 18.0 13.5 12.8 
			 The Department's contribution to the Troubled Families programme in England, which includes work to get children back into school and reduce youth crime and antisocial behaviour 0 0 8.0 
			     
			 Total 139.6 117.8 126.1 
		
	
	YOTs reported working with 66,430 young people in 2011-12, a 48% reduction since 2008-09 and a reduction of 22% since 2010-11. The average youth custodial population has also fallen: from 2,040 in 2010-11 to 1,963 in 2011-12 and 1,561 in 2012-13 (a 23% reduction from 2010-11, figures for 2012-13 are provisional). It is against this backdrop that decisions relating to funding have been made.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Local Government Finance: Barnsley

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much funding (a) his Department and (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible has allocated to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in each of the last five years.

Mark Hoban: The funding allocated by the Department, and our non-departmental public bodies, to Barnsley metropolitan borough council in each of the last five financial years is detailed in the following table:
	
		
			 £ 
			  2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Housing/council tax benefit subsidy 69,206,332 80,991,839 85,358,565 90,135,255 (1)95,264,311 
			 Housing/council tax benefit administration subsidy 2,092,649 2,387,209 2,267,611 2,161,374 2,089,733 
		
	
	
		
			 Additional funding elements towards administering housing/council tax benefit — 6,315 52,907.41 56,815.38 31,807 
			 Government contribution towards discretionary housing payments 34,121 34,329 33,564 65,820 116,210 
			 Local welfare provision set up — — — — 8,343 
			 Right to Control Trailblazer(2) — — 397,524 293,452 191,446 
			 (1) This figure is an interim figure claimed by Barnsley metropolitan borough council pending being audited. (2) This funding is paid to Barnsley as the lead council but covers both Barnsley metropolitan borough council and Sheffield city council.

Atos Healthcare

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many ATOS Healthcare full-time equivalent health professionals work on the Work Capability Assessment contract.

Mark Hoban: As at July 2013, Atos Healthcare have 907.7 full time equivalent Healthcare Professionals (HCP) working on Work Capability Assessments.

Atos Healthcare

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many times he and Ministers in his Department have met ATOS Healthcare senior management to discuss the contract for delivering the work capability assessment since May 2010.

Mark Hoban: Ministers from this Department meet with Atos to discuss a range of topics. The Department publishes details of meetings held with external organisations and the information you have requested can be found on the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/search?g=dwp+ministers+meetinqs+with+ external+&tab=government-results

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Mark Hoban: The information requested is not collated centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Disability Living Allowance

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the awareness of disability living allowance claimants of its replacement by personal independence payment.

Esther McVey: We want to ensure all disability living allowance (DLA) claimants, and those who support them, are aware of what personal independence payment (PIP) is and what it might mean for them.
	With this in mind, the annual DLA uprating letters which were issued to 3 million existing DLA claimants during February and March contained background information about PIP, and details of claimants who will be affected when the changes would be introduced.
	The uprating letter also included a link to the Gov.uk site. This site includes an online PIP checker which allows DLA claimants to see how they might be affected by the introduction of PIP by entering a few simple details. We have also published answers to the most common questions about PIP to help existing DLA claimants, as well as a PIP toolkit for support organisations and advisers. Information on PIP is also available on the DWP website. Feedback from stakeholder organisations and the volume of hits on these sites suggest good levels of overall awareness of PIP among DLA recipients.

Employment

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average number of weekly job applications submitted by each jobseeker each week in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each of the last 24 months.

Mark Hoban: No such estimate has been made as this information is not routinely gathered.

Employment: Young People

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what support his Department provides to (a) young people aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) young people aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term health conditions to assist access to and maintenance of employment and training opportunities;
	(2)  what his future plans are for support for (a) young people aged 16 to 24 with cancer and (b) young people aged 16 to 24 with serious and complex long-term health conditions in employment and training.

Esther McVey: This Department does not provide condition-based labour market regimes for specific illnesses. The Department's programmes, including its specialist disability employment programmes, aim to identify and meet the needs of the individual, including young people aged 16 to 24 with cancer.
	This Government recognises the important role work experience can play as a route into employment. Access to Work already supports Youth Contract work experience and I announced on 16 July that £2 million from the Access to Work budget will be set aside to support disabled people to access a range of opportunities that help them get ready for employment.
	These will include traineeships, sector-based work academies and supported internships, and will complement existing initiatives such as supported apprenticeships and individually arranged work experience. Specialist disability employment training is also available to 16 to 24-year-old disabled people through Work Choice and residential training provision.
	Going forward, the Department is developing an employment strategy for disabled people and those with health conditions and within this is looking specifically at employment and transitions for young disabled people. The strategy is scheduled for publication later in the year.

Food Banks

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  when he next plans to visit a food bank;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the merits of recording on a regular basis the number of food bank vouchers issued by jobcentres; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what plans he has to discuss with representatives of groups operating food banks the reasons for recent trends in the level of food bank demand; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Food banks are not part of the welfare system and statistics are not collected on the number of referrals to food banks or the reasons. There is no reliable evidence that welfare reforms are linked to increased use of food banks. Ministers do not have any immediate plans to visit a food bank or meet representatives of groups operating food banks.

Foster Care: Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many current foster carers will be contacted during the research into the effect on the under-occupancy penalty on prospective foster carers.

Steve Webb: This information is not available.
	In relation to the removal of the Spare Room Subsidy, subject to certain conditions registered foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom under the size criteria.
	The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education have committed to monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on foster carers. Discussions are ongoing as to how this will be done, including who will conduct the relevant research.

Foster Care: Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who is conducting the research into the effects of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective foster carers.

Steve Webb: In relation to the removal of the Spare Room Subsidy, subject to certain conditions registered foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom under the size criteria.
	The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education have committed to monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on foster carers. Discussions are ongoing as to how this will be done, including who will conduct the relevant research.

Foster Care: Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish (a) the initial findings and (b) the final report of the research commissioned by his Department on the effects on its work of recent housing benefit reforms.

Steve Webb: The initial findings and the final report of the research will be published as departmental research reports and will be publicly available on the DWP website.

Foster Care: Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department's research into the effect of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective foster carers, adopters and special guardians will be carried out (a) on a national basis and (b) in specific areas.

Steve Webb: In relation to the removal of the Spare Room Subsidy, subject to certain conditions registered foster carers are already allowed one additional bedroom under the size criteria.
	In addition the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education have committed to monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on foster carers, prospective adopters and special guardians. Discussions are ongoing as to how this will be done.

Foster Care: Housing Benefit

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who is conducting the research into the effect of the under-occupancy penalty on prospective adopters and special guardians.

Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education have committed to monitor the effect of the removal of the spare room subsidy on prospective adopters and special guardians. Discussion are ongoing as to how this will be done, including who will conduct the relevant research.

Health and Safety Executive

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what powers the Health and Safety Executive has to object to an approved planning consent should an issue of concern in their remit develop after approval is granted.

Mark Hoban: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)'s role in planning is advisory only; it cannot formally object to planning consents. As a statutory consultee, HSE provides advice to the relevant local authority on the risks of certain types of development in the vicinity of major hazard sites and pipelines. The local authority then weighs these risks against the other relevant planning considerations to reach a decision.
	When a planning authority in Scotland is minded to grant planning permission against HSE's advice, the application is automatically referred to Scottish Ministers for a decision. HSE provides further safety advice to Scottish Ministers during this process. In England or Wales, the planning system allows HSE to request a review by the relevant Minister, based on advice from a Planning Inquiry (‘call-in').
	However, HSE exercises these powers very rarely and only in cases of exceptional public safety concern; requesting call-in only five times in the past 40 years.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what future sums he has earmarked for relief of hardship arising from the under-occupancy penalty.

Steve Webb: Additional funding of £35 mullion has been added this year specifically to support housing benefit claimants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy in the social sector.
	The £35 million funding consists of: £10 million transitional payments that will be distributed to councils; £5 million discretionary housing payment funding for the 21 least densely populated areas in the country to help fragile remote areas; and a further £20 million discretionary housing payment contingency funding.
	This is in addition to the £155 million discretionary housing payment funding provided to councils this year. A further £120 million has provisionally been allocated for 2014-15.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance he has issued to local authorities in respect of the priority to be given to competing applicants for help from hardship funds allocated to relieve the effects of the under-occupancy penalty.

Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions issued revised guidance on 1 April 2013. This included a good practice guide which provided examples as to when a discretionary housing payment may be appropriate.
	However as the scheme is discretionary the guidance reminded local authorities that each individual case should be determined on its own merits rather than on a set of pre-defined criteria.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in St Helens South and Whiston constituency have been affected by the under-occupancy penalty; and how many such people are disabled.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available at a local authority level.
	Estimated numbers of affected claimants in Great Britain and region, and estimated numbers of disabled affected claimants in Great Britain are available in the Equality Impact Assessment at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/174973/eia-social-sector-housing-under-occupation-wr2011.pdf

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the average change in benefit for those in St Helens and Whiston constituency affected by the under-occupancy penalty.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available at a local authority level.
	Estimated numbers of the average weekly HB reduction per affected claimant for Great Britain and region are available in the Equality Impact Assessment at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/174973/eia-social-sector-housing-under-occupation-wr2011.pdf

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Ian Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the number of people in work that are adversely affected by the under-occupancy penalty.

Steve Webb: DWP estimate the number of housing benefit claimants affected by the under-occupancy changes in the social rented sector from April 2013 is about 140,000 where either the claimant or their partner will be in work.
	Note:
	Estimate is rounded to the nearest 20,000.
	Source:
	Policy Simulation Model (PSM) output based on family Resources Survey (FRS) data from 2009-10.

Jobcentre Plus

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the most recent ratio of Jobcentre Plus advisors to claimants is.

Mark Hoban: The following table contains the most recent available Jobcentre Plus adviser to claimant ratios.
	
		
			 Number 
			  Claimants Advisers Claimants per adviser 
			 JSA 1,415,900 10,071 141 
			 ESA 1,445,140 899 1,608 
			 IS 1,189,190 1,044 1,139 
			 Total 4,050,230 12,013 337

Jobcentre Plus

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have been employed by Jobcentre Plus in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has made of the number of such staff in 2015-16.

Mark Hoban: The number of staff employed by Jobcentre Plus/DWP Operations over the last five years are:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2008-09 67,210 
			 2009-10 82,647 
			 2010-11 72,939 
			 2011-12 77,251 
			 2012-13 74,923 
		
	
	The above figures are whole time equivalent which count part time workers as a proportion of their full-time counterparts dependent on the number of hours they work.
	The figures are taken as at 31 March of each year.
	Due to an organisational restructure in 2011 Jobcentre Plus, as an organisation within the Department for Work and Pensions, ceased to exist. Therefore the figures for the last two years represent DWP Operations as a whole and are therefore not directly comparable.
	The DWP Operations figures would include staff that were previously in the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service Directorate. Also, some corporate functions that were within Jobcentre Plus, for example Finance, are now in their own Directorate and so are not included in the Operations figures.
	With regards to staffing levels in 2015-16, it is not standard practice to provide forecast information as this is usually indicative, for internal management purposes only and subject to change during the financial year. Forecasts are reviewed regularly as part of a continuous planning process.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what monthly statistics his Department collates on the number of jobseeker's allowance claimants who have been temporarily barred from claiming in (a) each local authority area and (b) each parliamentary constituency;
	(2)  how many Jobseeker Allowance claimants were temporarily barred from claiming on a monthly basis in the last year for which figures are available by (a) local authority area and (b) constituency; and what the average length of bar was.

Mark Hoban: Statistics on the number of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants who have been sanctioned in (a) each local authority area and (b) each parliamentary constituency in each month from April 2000 to May 2012 will be placed in the Library.
	Information on the average length of sanction is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Jobseeker's Allowance

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation work has been done to determine the capability of Jobcentre Plus to manage a change to weekly sign on for jobseeker's allowance claimants.

Mark Hoban: The spending review announced new measures to support people to move into work, to improve welfare spending control and ensure that the welfare system remains affordable. One of the measures announced included introducing weekly signing for around half of all jobseeker's allowance claimants. This policy is in development and we will be fully assessing the change to mitigate any adverse impacts.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what statistics his Department holds on the length of time a temporary bar is in force for jobseeker's allowance claimants in each (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency in each month.

Mark Hoban: The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Occupational Health

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2013, Official Report, columns 58-9W, on occupational health, who the members of the advisory group on the new health and work assessment and advisory service are.

Mark Hoban: The group consists of two academics, six health care professionals and seven delegates from professional bodies. The group does not have any formal involvement with the project to set up the Health and Work Assessment and Advisory Service, nor are they involved in the governance processes. They provide advice alongside stakeholder engagement events.

Offshore Industry: Safety

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he last discussed the safety of the Forties oil pipeline with the Health and Safety Executive.

Mark Hoban: This is a matter within HSE's competence and I have had no such specific discussion.

Pension Credit: Wales

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those eligible for pension credit in (a) Newport East constituency and (b) Wales claim this benefit.

Steve Webb: The Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-up report covers Great Britain for the financial year 2009-10. It provides caseload and expenditure estimates of take-up for income support and employment and support allowance (income-related), pension credit, housing benefit (including local housing allowance), council tax benefit and jobseeker's allowance (income-based). The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 10 June 2010. The figures are available online and can be found here:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb
	Estimates of take-up are not available for 2010-11 or 2011-12 nor are they sufficiently robust to present at Geographies below Great Britain. As such estimates are not available for (a) Newport East constituency and (b) Wales.

Personal Independence Payment

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the influence in decision-making of the advocate in personal independence payment benefit assessments for people with cognitive impairments who lack insight into their condition.

Esther McVey: Decisions on entitlement to personal independence payment are made by a departmental decision maker. Decision makers will consider all of the available evidence when making their decision. Such evidence may include the claim form, any additional evidence that the claimant has provided, any further evidence that the assessment provider has obtained, and the report from the assessment provider.
	The PIP assessment makes greater use of appropriate evidence than did the assessment for disability living allowance, including evidence from claimants, from supporting professionals and from the face-to-face consultations that most individuals will attend. The face-to-face consultation gives the claimant the opportunity to put across; their own views of the impact of their impairment. Individuals are encouraged to bring with them a relation, friend or a professional who supports them. We recognise that information given by their companion can be useful, particularly in cases where the claimant may lack insight into their condition, understate the challenges they face or have difficulty communicating.

Personal Independence Payment

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reasons the mobility criteria for personal independence payment has been changed to 50 metres instead of 20 metres.

Esther McVey: We had always intended that being unable to walk more than 50 metres should lead to entitlement to some rate of personal independence payment's mobility component. However under the second draft of the assessment criteria being unable to walk 50 metres did not automatically entitle claimants to the enhanced rate. Within the group who could walk up to 50 metres we wanted those who face the greatest barriers to mobility to receive the enhanced rate and the remainder the standard rate. In the second draft of the assessment criteria we differentiated by the type of aid and appliance an individual needed. In the final version of the criteria we differentiate by distance, which we feel is clearer.
	In the final draft individuals who cannot walk 20 metres can be certain they will receive the enhanced rate, regardless of whether they need an aid or appliance. Individuals who can walk distances longer than 20 metres could still receive the enhanced rate, depending on whether they can do so safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period.

Personal Independence Payment: Paisley

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be affected by the move to personal independence payment in Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency.

Esther McVey: The available information on personal independence payment (PIP) is published in the Reassessments and Impacts briefing note. This can be found on the gov.uk website at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/180964/pip-reassessments-and-impacts.pdf
	Information on current disability living allowance caseloads at a parliamentary constituency level can be found on the Department's website at:
	http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html
	Guidance for users is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/203439/tab-tool-guidance.pdf

Personal Independence Payment: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what date he expects personal independence payments to be implemented in Wales.

Esther McVey: Personal independence payment (PIP) was implemented nationally across Great Britain to new claimants on 10 June.
	From October 2013, existing DLA recipients will be invited to claim PIP (where they report a change in their care or mobility needs, where their fixed term awards are coming to an end or where they reach age 16). However, the majority of DLA recipients will not be invited to claim PIP until October 2015, in line with our published plans for reassessment available on the internet:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/180964/pip-reassessments-and-impacts.pdf

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Information listing the title of each regulation that the Department for Work and Pensions has made in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date will be placed in the Library. This information includes statutory instruments processed via the Privy Council Office.
	The following table lists the title of each regulation that the Department has revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date (information for the Health and Safety Executive is provided in a separate table). For the purpose of this response we have restricted our searches to regulations made within the relevant periods that revoke entire sets of regulations (to do otherwise would incur disproportionate cost). Revoked regulations are listed by the date that the revoking instrument was made, not the date revocation comes into effect, so revocation of some of the regulations listed is pending but has not yet come into force.
	
		
			  (b) Regulations Revoked 
			 (i) 2010 The Disability Discrimination (Meaning of Disability) Regulations 1996 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Providers of Services) (Adjustment of Premises) Regulations 2001 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Blind and Partially Sighted Persons) Regulations 2003 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Employment Field) (Leasehold Premises) Regulations 2004 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Educational Institutions) (Alteration of Leasehold Premises) Regulations 2005 
		
	
	
		
			  The Disability Discrimination (Service Providers and Public Authorities Carrying Out Functions) Regulations 2005 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Private Clubs etc.) Regulations 2005 
			  The Disability Discrimination (Premises) Regulations 2006 
			  The Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) (Existing Awards) Regulations 2010/875 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2009 
			  The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2009 
			  The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment (Temporary Increase) Regulations 2009 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2009 
			  The Social Security (Breach of Community Order) Regulations 2001 
			  The Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations 1978 
			  The Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Amendment Regulations 1979 
			  The Vaccine Damage Payments (Specified Disease) Order 2009 
			   
			 (ii) 2011 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Age-related Payments) Regulations 1997 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Discharge of Protected Rights on Winding Up) Regulations 1996 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2010 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Mixed Benefit Contracted-out Schemes) Regulations 1996 
			  The Pension Protection Fund (Payments to meet Investment Costs) Regulations 2005 
			  The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2010 
			  The Personal Pension Schemes (Compensation) Regulations 1988 
			  The Protected Rights (Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2010 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2009 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2010 
			   
			 (iii) 2012 The Jobseeker's Allowance (Work for Your Benefit Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2011 
			  The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2011 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order 2011 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2011 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2010 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2009 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2008 
			  The Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2006 
			  The Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Cap) Order 2011 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2011 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2011 
			  The Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 1987 
			   
			 (iv) 2013 The Child Support (Maintenance Assessment Procedure) Regulations 1992 
			  The Child Support (Maintenance Assessments and Special Cases) Regulations 1992 
			  The Child Support (Maintenance Assessments and Special Cases) Amendment Regulations 1993 
			  The Child Support Departure Direction and Consequential Amendments Regulations 1996 
			  The Child Support (Maintenance Calculations and Special Cases) Regulations 2000 
			  The Child Support (Variations) Regulations 2000 
			  The Child Support (Maintenance Calculation Procedure) Regulations 2000 
			  The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board Regulations 1991 
			  The Pension Protection Fund and Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling and Compensation Cap) Order 2012 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2012 
			  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2012 
		
	
	
		
			 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 
			  (b) Regulations Revoked 
			 (i) 2010 The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2009 (Revoked by The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2010—see above) 
		
	
	
		
			   
			 (ii) 2011  
			   
			 (iii) 2012 The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 
			  The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2010 
			  The Anthrax Prevention Order 1971 etc (Revocation) Regulations 2005 
			  The Employment Medical Advisory Service (Factories Act Orders etc. Amendment) Order 1973 
			  The Locomotives and Waggons on Lines and Sidings in or used in connection with Premises under the Factory and Workshop Act 1901 
			  The Health and Safety (Foundries etc) (Metrication) Regulations 1981 
			  The Non-ferrous Metals (Melting and Founding) Regulations 1962 
			  The Pottery (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations 1950 
			  The Pottery (Health etc.) (Metrication) Regulations 1982 
			   
			 (iv) 2013 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations 2010 
			  The Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations 2012 
			  The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2001 
			  The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 2011 
			  The Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2006 
			  The Docks Regulations 1988 
			  The Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Exemptions) Regulations 1980 
			  The Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1974 
			  The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 
			  The Docks, Shipbuilding etc. (Metrication) Regulations 1983 
			  The Gasholders (Record of Examinations) Order 1938 
			  The Gasholders and Steam Boilers (Metrication) Regulations 1981 
			  The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes (Amendment) Regulations 2010 
			  The Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances (Amendment) Regulations 2002 
			  The Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982 
			  The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010 
			  The Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960 
			  The Locomotives etc. Regulations 1906 (Metrication) Regulations 1981 
			  The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 
			  The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (Amendment) Regulations 2012 in so far as they apply to Great Britain 
			  The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2005 
			  The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2007 
			  The Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010 
			  The Export and Import of Dangerous Chemicals Regulations 2008

Remploy: Abertillery

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information his Department holds on how many of the former workers of Remploy Abertillery made redundant in August 2012 have subsequently secured full-time employment; and what the duration of that full-time employment has been in each case.

Esther McVey: Of the 20 Remploy employees made redundant in August 2012, 11 have secured and remain in full-time employment, two have retired, two are on sabbatical, a further four are claiming ESA/JSA, two of which are on Work Choice undertaking training and other activities aimed at moving them closer to employment. One former employee has not registered to use the Jobcentres services; we are therefore unable to say what they are now doing.

Senior Civil Servants

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many senior civil servants left his Department and public bodies under voluntary exit and received a severance payment in each of the last three years; and what the value of such payments was.

Mark Hoban: The number of senior civil servants that left DWP and its public bodies under voluntary exit and received a severance payment in the financial years April 2010 to March 2011, April 2011 to March 2012 and April 2012 to March 2013 and the cost are shown in the table. All were approved under contractual and Civil Service Compensation Scheme terms.
	
		
			  Number of SCS Cost (£) 
			 2010-11 9 621,042 
			 2011-12 47 6,160,445 
			 2012-13 8 683,536 
		
	
	During the three-year period, which included a restructure of the Department, the SCS has reduced in size by around 30% with a similar percentage reduction in the SCS pay bill since 2009-10.
	The Civil Service Compensation Scheme was reformed in 2010. Under the previous terms there could be costs extending for up to 10 years from a departure, while under the reformed scheme all of the costs fall within the year of departure.
	The reformed scheme allows for greater distinction between voluntary and compulsory exits and is designed to encourage voluntary rather than compulsory departures.
	Figures for 2010-11 and 2011-12 were included as part of the published Annual Report and Accounts.
	Figures for 2012-13 will be included as part of the 2012-13 Annual Report and Accounts.

Social Fund: Merseyside

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for a (a) budgeting loan and (b) crisis loan in (i) St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council area and (ii) Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council area were (A) made and (B) approved in each month since April 2013.

Steve Webb: Information on the number of budgeting loans and crisis loans made in 2013-14 is not available at borough council level. The lowest level breakdown of data available is by social fund budget area. St. Helens and Knowsley borough councils are part of the Greater Liverpool and Cheshire social fund budget area. Table 1 shows the total number of applications and awards made in this budget area between April 2013 and June 2013.
	The crisis loan scheme closed on 31 March 2013 but a number of applications and awards were processed in April 2013. These are the crisis loan figures shown in Table 1. Note that awards are not always made on the same day that the application was received; consequently, the higher number of crisis loan awards than applications in April 2013 is due to applications received at the end of March not being processed until April.
	
		
			 Table 1: Budgeting loan and crisis loan applications and awards in Greater Liverpool and Cheshire social fund budget area between April 2013 and June 2013 
			  Budgeting loans Crisis loans 
			  Applications received Awards made Applications received Awards made 
			 April 2013 6,370 5,000 10 20 
			 May 2013 6,030 3,910 — — 
			 June 2013 6,150 5,050 — — 
			 Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using official/national Statistics but in this case we only have management information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as official/national statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. 2. Application and award volumes are rounded to the nearest 10. Source: DWP Policy, Budget and Management Information System

Social Security Benefits

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many claimants affected by the benefits cap were assessed as capable of work on 1 April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of claimants affected by the benefits cap were actively seeking work on 1 April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013.

Mark Hoban: The benefit cap was not in operation on either 1 April 2012 or 1 April 2013. Phased implementation in four London boroughs started on 15 April 2013 and national roll out started 15 July 2013 and will be complete by September 2013.
	In the Impact Assessment published in July 2012 we estimated that 34% of the cases potentially affected by the cap when fully implemented will be on jobseeker's allowance so required to look for work as a condition for receiving benefit. In addition, we estimated that 25% of the cases potentially affected by the cap when fully implemented will be on employment support allowance and assessed as having limited capability for work.
	This Impact Assessment is available here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/207954/benefit-cap-wr2011-ia.pdf

Social Security Benefits

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in receipt of benefits are exempt from the benefits cap.

Mark Hoban: From the data available in June 2013, we estimate around 80,000 households are in receipt of benefits above the level of the cap but are exempt from the benefit cap.
	Exemptions from the benefit cap include households with someone in receipt of the following benefits: disability living allowance (including a child in receipt), its replacement personal independence payment, attendance allowance, industrial injuries benefits (and equivalent payments made as part of a War Disablement Pension or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme) or the support component of employment and support allowance. In addition, households with someone who is entitled to working tax credit are excluded. War widows and widowers are also exempt, reinforcing our commitment to those serving in or who have served in our armed forces.
	There is also a grace period of 39 weeks during which time the cap will not apply to households where the claimant, or if applicable their partner, has worked for 50 weeks out of the 52 weeks preceding their last day of work.

Social Security Benefits

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people affected by the benefits cap who are in receipt of (a) disability related benefits and (b) carer's allowance in each parliamentary constituency.

Mark Hoban: The benefit cap does not apply where the claimant or the claimant's partner or a dependent child is receiving disability living allowance or where the claimant or the claimant's partner is receiving employment and support allowance which includes a support component, an industrial injuries benefit, an attendance allowance, a war pension, an armed forces independence payment or a personal independence payment.
	Around 4,000 households in receipt of carers allowance are estimated to be affected by the benefit cap. This figure is consistent with the ad hoc statistics release of the number of households we estimate to be affected by the benefit cap published in April 2013, which can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/196895/Ben_Cap_Updated_Estimate.pdf
	It is not possible to provide a breakdown by parliamentary constituency as in all areas fewer than 100 households affected, and so all values are suppressed as additional disclosure control has been applied to these areas.
	Estimates assume that the situation of these households will go unchanged, and they will not take any steps to either work enough hours to qualify for Working Tax Credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or find alternative accommodation. The Department has made extensive contacts with households who are likely to be affected by the cap and we are offering advice and support through Jobcentre Plus, including, where appropriate, early access to the Work Programme before the cap is introduced.

Social Security Benefits

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the potential total savings to the public purse of setting a benefits cap at (a) £26,000, (b) £20,000, (c) £19,000, (d) £18,000 and (e) £17,000.

Mark Hoban: The potential total savings to the public purse of setting a benefits cap at (a) £26,000, (b) £20,000, (c) £19,000, (d) £18,000 and (e) £17,000 are outlined as follows:
	
		
			 Level of the cap Savings (£ million) 
			 (a) £26,000 185 
			 (b) £20,000 735 
			 (c) £19,000 820 
			 (d) £18,000 1,015 
			 (e) £17,000 1,255 
		
	
	These estimates have been calculated in a consistent way with those already estimated and approved by Office for Budget Responsibility.

Social Security Benefits: British Nationals Abroad

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish his response to the European Commission's letter requesting clarification of the UK Government's position on the cumulative conditions that apply for waiving the past presence test in cross-border situations.

Mark Hoban: This matter is currently under discussion with the European Commission. Correspondence between the Commission and the member states on such cases is generally regarded by both parties as confidential between them. This approach recognises that preserving the space for the conduct of frank and effective discussions and negotiation best ensures that Community law is implemented and upheld.

Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to Article 24(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC, for what reasons EU nationals residing in the UK as jobseekers are allowed to access income-based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: We have a legal duty to provide support to people who come to this country, in line with our national and international obligations.
	Under EU law an EEA national has a right to reside in another member state as a jobseeker for as long as they can provide evidence that they are continuing to seek employment and that they have a genuine chance of being engaged. Although there is no obligation under EU law to provide social assistance to jobseekers, there is an obligation to provide benefits which facilitate access to the labour market.
	EEA national jobseekers are qualified persons under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 and have a right to reside for as long as they are a jobseeker. They can claim income-based jobseeker's allowance and housing benefit if they satisfy the habitual residence test.
	Council Tax benefit ceased 1 April 2013 and was replaced by a new council tax reduction scheme which is the responsibility of local authorities.

Unemployment Benefits

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of households whose only income is out-of-work benefits with a higher household income than households with one person or more in employment.

Mark Hoban: There are no households whose only income was from out of work benefits, and who received a higher household income than the median income of households with one or more people in employment as derived from the Family Resources Survey.
	This may be because only a small number of households receive only out of work benefits. Households receiving out of work benefits may also be entitled to other state support.
	Out of work benefits income refers to jobseeker’s allowance, employment support allowance, and income support.
	Median income refers to median household income adjusted for household size and composition (equivalised).

Unemployment: Older People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the support provided by Jobcentre Plus to jobseekers aged over 50 with prior senior managerial experience.

Mark Hoban: Although no specific assessment has been made in relation to the support provided by Jobcentre Plus to jobseekers aged 50 with prior senior managerial experience, an evaluation of the Jobcentre Plus offer was commissioned in late 2011. The Department has been using the research to help ensure that the offer successfully delivers to all claimants
	Furthermore, work is being carried out with districts to enable them to make better use of the 50+ module within the support contract. This module is an employability and job search workshop aimed at unemployed professionals but tailored for 50+ customers.

Unemployment: Older People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department provides to Jobcentre Plus staff on assisting jobseekers aged over 50 into employment.

Mark Hoban: Advisers have generic guidance and learning on how to provide individual jobseekers with the help they need to give themselves best prospects of employment.
	This is supplemented by a ‘Supporting Older Worker’ intranet site, which pulls together relevant information such as the support available to help older workers move into work, labour market statistics, research into older workers, adviser training, case studies, good news stories, best practice and other initiatives.
	It also provides links to the Older Workers Statistical Information Booklet and The Age and Employment Network's ‘Survey of Jobseeker's Aged 50+’.

Universal Credit

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the current ratio of staff to claimants is in the universal credit pilot areas;
	(2)  how many people are currently in receipt of universal credit.

Mark Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I provided to the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne, on 6 June 2013, Official Report, column 1253W.
	The Department is working to guidelines set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able to publish statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest opportunity. We intend to publish official statistics on pathfinder areas in autumn 2013 and on nationally implemented universal credit from autumn 2014.

Universal Credit

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the timetable is for the complete national rollout of universal credit.

Mark Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne) on 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 1052W.
	Universal credit will progressively roll-out in a carefully managed and controlled way from October 2013 with all those who are entitled to UC claiming the new benefit by 2017.

Universal Credit

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of additional new claims as a result of the universal credit rollout to six hub jobcentres.

Mark Hoban: The exact number of claims will depend on local economic conditions, but it will allow us to expand our ability to test and learn as we progressively roll out.

Universal Credit

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the costs of (a) purchase and maintenance of the 6,000 new computers and associated software and (b) staff training associated with the roll out of universal credit announced by his Department on 10 July 2013.

Mark Hoban: We are actively considering the commercial options for the supply of the hardware and software to support this service and as such all figures are commercial in confidence. The new PCs will increase digital access in our local Jobcentres, so that our customers can more easily access a wide range of on-line services offered by DWP, not solely universal credit. This supports our move to digital service provision.
	We are also introducing some aspects of universal credit early across all of our Jobcentres. We estimate we will need to re-train 20,000 staff to introduce the claimant commitment across 36 districts. Cost of staff training will include delivery and backfill costs while staff are away on training. The costs and timescales remain subject to review as the detailed plans for this next phase of implementation are worked through.

Universal Credit

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what provisions will be made for those wanting to claim universal credit through the medium of Welsh.

Mark Hoban: We will be providing UC in Welsh and English in line with our Welsh Language scheme, and we are looking into the detail of how this will be done.

Universal Credit

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 660W, on universal credit, whether he expects any further jobcentres to take new claims for universal credit before April 2014.

Mark Hoban: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 660W.
	We remain committed to delivering universal credit by 2017. Between October 2013 and March 2014 six more Jobcentres will be taking new claims for universal credit. This means we will be testing UC in each region across the country. This will significantly expand our ability to test and learn as we progressively roll out universal credit. The exact number of claims will depend on local economic conditions.
	We will make further details of our plans available in the autumn.

Universal Credit

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will carry out an impact assessment of the introduction of housing costs contributions under universal credit.

Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward), on 6 June 2013, Official Report, columns 1252-54W.

Universal Credit

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the universal credit IT systems will take into account the planned uprating of the national minimum wage from 1 October 2013; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Development work is currently taking place to ensure that there are systems/processes in place to accommodate the change to national minimum wage from 1 October 2013.

Universal Credit: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what date he expects universal credit to be implemented in Wales (a) as a pilot scheme and (b) in full.

Mark Hoban: As part of our plan for progressive rollout, Shotton Jobcentre is one of six new sites which will begin dealing with universal credit claims during 2013-14. We are now working with partners locally to agree an implementation plan and go live date.

UNUM

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether Unum Ltd or any subsidiary companies of Unum Ltd had a role in designing the work capability assessment; what relationship there has been between his Department and Unum over the last 10 years; what payments have been made by his Department to any Unum companies in that time period; and for what reason this question originally tabled by the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion on this matter on 23 April 2013 did not receive an answer.

Mark Hoban: I can confirm two Unum employees, a doctor and an occupational therapist, were part of the technical working groups which carried out reviews of the personal capability assessment. As with all members of the technical working group they were appointed as recognised experts in benefit assessment and in supporting return to work for people with disability.
	The Department consults on a range of policy issues and with various external bodies. As the Department does not maintain a central register of all meetings with external organisations, I am unable to provide detailed information for the last 10 years of it's interactions with Unum. However, the Department has a record of two meetings with Unum officials since May 2010. In October 2010, a Unum representative met with the Minister for Welfare Reform and Departmental officials as part of a delegation from the UK Rehabilitation Council. Further to this on 14 February 2011, Unum representatives met with departmental officials as part of Professor Harrington's Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment.
	Over the last 10 years, the Department has made payments of circa £216,000 to Unum companies.
	The reason the hon. Member did not receive an answer on this matter in April 2013 was because named day questions cannot be answered before the named day given by the Member and since the named day for the hon. Member's question number 153540 was 29 April 2013, by which date the House had prorogued, it could not therefore be answered.

Welfare State: Reform

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the effect of the measures in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the economy of (a) St Helens South and Whiston constituency and (b) the North West.

Mark Hoban: An assessment of the effect of the measures in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the economy of St Helens South and Whiston constituency and the North West is not available.
	The Government produces impact assessments which provide detailed information on the impact of policy measures on benefit recipients.
	In addition the Government regularly produces analysis of the cumulative impact of all coalition changes, including welfare, on households across the income distribution. This information is published at every Budget and other major fiscal events, in the interests of transparency. However this analysis is unable to be broken down to lower geographies. The most recent update was published with the spending review on 26 June.
	The publication of cumulative impacts is a coalition initiative and was not produced by the previous Administration.

Work Capability Assessment

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people experiencing a mental health condition undertook the work capability assessment in each year between 2008 and 2012.

Mark Hoban: In November 2012 the Department released an ad-hoc statistical publication which breaks down the outcomes of all initial work capability assessment (WCA) outcomes by physical and mental health condition. Table 2b in the spreadsheet accompanying the publication gives the WCA outcomes for claimants with a mental health condition by the month the WCA was completed, for assessments held up to May 2012, and can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223138/esa_wca_outcomes_physical_mental_health_condition.xls
	Further information is available in the publication which can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-work-capability-assessment-outcomes-by-physical-and-mental-health-condition

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reasons his Department had a £248 million underspend on the Work programme in 2012-13; and in what alternative ways this was spent.

Mark Hoban: The Commons Committee Report, to which the question relates, notes that the Government spent some £248 million less on the Work programme than anticipated in 2012-13. The level of spending depends on the number of job outcomes, sustainment payments and attachment feeds paid.
	As happens across Government, any underspend at the end of the financial year are returned to Her Majesty's Treasury.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department paid in (a) attachment, (b) job outcome and (c) sustainment payments to Work programme providers in each month since June 2011.

Mark Hoban: The tables show how much the Department paid in (a) attachment, (b) job outcome and (c) sustainment payments to Work programme providers in each month since June 2011.
	
		
			 £ million 
			  2011 2012 
			  June July August September October November December January February March 
			 Attachments 8.9 41.4 29.2 31.4 24.1 26.6 25.7 26.2 26.9 27.0 
			 Outcomes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.7 3.2 8.4 1.2 
			 Sustainments 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.1 1.3 
			 Recoveries 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0.4) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) 
			 Total 8.9 41.4 29.2 31.4 23.7 26.7 26.4 29.6 36.4 29.5 
		
	
	
		
			 £ million 
			  2012 2013 
			  April May June July August September October November December January February March 
			 Attachments 15.8 15.5 15.1 30.2 10.5 12.6 13.2 16.2 10.7 15.6 13.2 11.9 
			 Outcomes 4.0 9.4 7.1 5.5 8.9 20.4 12.0 16.0 11.7 18.8 12.0 16.7 
			 Sustainments 2.0 3.1 3.0 4.8 6.4 9.3 12.1 15.3 9.7 20.3 25.0 20.1 
			 Recoveries 0.0 (0.1) (0.0) 0.8 (1.3) (0.5) (0.6) 1.1 (1.1) 0.0 (0.0) 1.1 
			 Total 21.8 28.0 25.1 41.3 24.5 41.6 36.7 48.6 30.9 54.7 50.1 49.8 
			 Note: Due to the rounding of the figures in the above table the sum of the individual lines in the table do not always equal the total figure shown.

Work Programme

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department takes to (a) provide independent inspection of Work Programme contractors and (b) collect feedback from Work Programme clients.

Mark Hoban: Work Programme contractors are paid for supporting clients into sustained employment. Any clients dissatisfied with the support they receive from their provider can access a complaints process that leads ultimately to the Independent Case Examiner. The Department has put in place robust arrangements to assess the validity of job outcome claims, and these arrangements have been independently assessed by the National Audit Office. Beyond that, independent inspection of the Work Programme is not necessary or appropriate.
	Feedback from clients is collected as part of the formal evaluation of the Work Programme commissioned by the Department, which will report in due course.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged over 50 who have been referred to the Work Programme since June 2011 were identified as being from an ethnic minority background; and how many have secured a sustained job outcome to date.

Mark Hoban: Statistics on how many people aged over 50 who have been referred to the Work programme were identified as being from an ethnic minority background, and how many have secured a sustained job outcome from June 2011 to 31 March 2013 can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/series/work-programme-statistics--2
	Guidance for users is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation-tool-guidance

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged over 50 who have been referred to the Work Programme since June 2011 (a) received a sanction while on the Work Programme, (b) disputed the sanction and (c) had a sanction overturned.

Mark Hoban: Information on non-JSA claimants and JSA claimants, for reasons other than failing to participate, who have been referred for a sanction after being referred to the Work Programme is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Statistics on how many jobseeker's allowance (JSA) claimants aged over 50 who have been referred to the Work Programme (a) received a sanction while on the Work Programme, (b) disputed the sanction and (c) had a sanction overturned from 1 June 2011 to 21 October 2012 are given in the following table:
	
		
			 Number(1) of jobseeker's allowance (JSA) claimants aged over 50(2) with a sanction referral for failing to participate in Work Programme by referral action(3 )1 June 2011 to 21 October 2012(5) 
			 Referral action(3) for failing to participate in the Work Programme Total 
			 Sanction:  
			 (a) Applied 6,330 
			 (b) Reconsidered 3,400 
			 (b) Appealed 290 
			 (c) Overturned after reconsideration 2,080 
			 (c) Overturned upon appeal 100 
			 (1) Figures are rounded to the nearest ten and will include individuals who have had more than one referral action e.g. if an individual has a sanction applied and has also appealed a sanction then they will appear twice. (2) Age: Age of claimant is calculated at the date the referral for a decision was made. (3) Referral action: The number of sanctions applied is the number of fixed(4) length sanction referrals where the decision was found against the claimant. The decision to apply a sanction can be overturned following reconsideration or appeal by the Sector Decision Maker. (4) Fixed Length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 weeks is programme or carry out a jobseeker's direction. Payment of benefit continues in full pending the Adjudication Officer's decision on a sanction question. (5) The 21 October 2012 is the last date covered by the old sanctions regulations and is the latest date for which figures are available. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database.

Work Programme: Cumbria

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid to Work Programme contractors working in Cumbria since the commencement of that programme.

Mark Hoban: The total paid to Work Programme Providers in the UK is £736 million from the start of the programme through to 31 March 2013, the period covered by the 27 June 2013 Statistical Release. Due to commercial in confidence considerations we are not able to release financial data below the national level at this time.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month.

Mark Hoban: The Department answered 380 ordinary written and named day questions between 19 June and 18 July 2013. As departmental IT systems do not collate whether or not the answers include fewer than four pages of statistics, the information could be provided only by examining each question clerically, which would incur disproportionate cost.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Mark Hoban: The Department follows procedures that were agreed with the ministerial team in 2012 on how to provide statistics when answering parliamentary questions.
	DWP makes a wide range of official statistics readily available via online software. This is an efficient way of answering a wide range of parliamentary questions and freedom of information requests.

HEALTH

Accident and Emergency Departments

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time to be seen by a doctor in accident and emergency for (a) walk-in patients and (b) those arriving by ambulance are (i) for each hospital in South Yorkshire and (ii) nationally.

Anna Soubry: Information showing the average waiting time to be seen by a doctor in accident and emergency (A&E) is not collected centrally. However, data on the average (median) waiting time in (A&E) from arrival to assessment, to treatment and to discharge is available. These data separately identify patients who arrive by ambulance and all other arrivals. Average waiting times by these categories for each hospital in South Yorkshire and for England are set out as follows.
	
		
			 Average (median) waiting times in minutes from arrival to assessment, treatment and departure at A&E by arrival mode for 2011-12(1)—Activity in English NHS hospitals 
			 Minutes 
			  Arrival by ambulance/helicopter 
			 Provider name Median wait to assessment Median wait to treatment Median wait to departure 
			 England 4 57 195 
			     
			 Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust 2 34 129 
			 Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 0 69 189 
			 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 7 62 174 
			 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 0 39 167 
			 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust(2) 10 67 197 
		
	
	
		
			 Minutes 
			  Arrival other than by ambulance/helicopter(3) 
			 Provider name Median wait to assessment Median wait to treatment Median wait to departure 
			 England 10 51 105 
			     
			 Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust 6 41 90 
			 Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 20 81 112 
			 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 12 66 123 
			 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1 40 87 
			 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust(2) 328 48 103 
			 (1) The last full year for which data is available. (2) Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a large number of assessment times recorded as exactly midnight. (3) Data on walk-in patients is not collected separately, these patients are included within 'arrival other than by ambulance/helicopter', this includes patients arriving by any other means than ambulance, for example, patients who arrive on foot or who arrive by prison/police escort.

Apprentices

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many apprentices are currently employed by his Department; and how many such apprentices are aged (a) under 19, (b) 19 to 25, (c) 26 to 30, (d) 31 to 59 and (e) 60 years and over.

Daniel Poulter: The Department currently has no apprentices. The Department runs and actively encourages teams to offer, work experience and other opportunities to candidates from Government schemes. These initiatives include the Civil Service Whitehall Internship programme, the Summer Development and Placement scheme, plus the Department's own Building Bridges programme, the NHS Management trainee programme, and placements for finance and analytical students. Since 2012 the Department has increased its allocation on the Building Bridges programme to eight places, due to the high demand.

Care Homes

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to begin an information campaign to explain the details of the care cap to the public.

Norman Lamb: We published a public consultation document, ‘Caring for our future: Consultation on reforming what and how people pay for their care and support’, on 18 July, setting out the details of our reforms to social care funding, including the introduction of a cap on charges to individuals.
	The consultation includes a call for evidence on how best to raise awareness of the capped cost system.
	A copy of the document has already been placed in the Library and is available at:
	www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223915/CONSULTATION_Caring_For_Our_Future_FINAL.pdf

Care Homes

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the proportion of people who will have their personal care costs capped at £72,000 who will pay an additional amount for care for low and moderate needs and non-eligible substantial care;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the average amount that will be paid by individuals under plans to cap personal care costs at £72,000 to meet (a) moderate or low needs and (b) substantial needs which are not deemed eligible under the scheme.

Norman Lamb: No estimate has been made because the Care Bill does not define care needs in this way. From April 2015, subject to the passage of the Care Bill, there will be a single set of criteria to describe a minimum threshold of eligible needs for adults needing care in England. On 28 June, we published a discussion, document, ‘Draft national minimum eligibility threshold for adult care and support’, to allow consideration of the draft regulations and the implications for implementing the new national eligibility criteria. The £72,000 cap would apply to charges for care and support to meet those eligible needs.
	A copy of the publication has already been placed in the Library.

General Practitioners

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs who have been elected to the boards of clinical commissioning groups hold directorships or have shares held in private health care companies.

Daniel Poulter: The National Health Service Act 2006, as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, sets out the clear requirements on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in relation to registers of interests and managing conflicts of interest.
	Under section 140 CCGs are responsible for maintaining registers of interests of the members of its boards. However, information contained on registers of interest is not collected centrally. CCGs should also make arrangements for managing conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest, to ensure they do not affect or appear to affect the integrity of their decision-making process.
	NHS England is responsible for supporting CCGs to manage conflicts of interest, and has produced guidance setting out the statutory requirements and principles for managing conflicts of interest. The guidance is available at:
	www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ccg-conflict-int-guide.pdf

Health Services

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the revision of the Quality and Outcomes Framework.

Anna Soubry: Since 1 January 2013, Ministers have had not had any meetings to specifically discuss revisions to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). However QOF may have been raised as part of wider discussions at ministerial meetings. Ministers have responded to 20 parliamentary questions regarding QOF, and one oral question.
	A search of the Department's ministerial correspondence database has identified 89 items of correspondence about the revision of QOF. This is a minimum figure which represents correspondence received by the Department's ministerial correspondence unit only.
	The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence encourages anyone with an interest in health to comment on their proposals and the current indicators in QOF and other frameworks.

Health Services: British Nationals Abroad

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of British pensioners who permanently live abroad but returned to the UK to access health treatment via the NHS in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  if he will undertake a review of (a) who is and (b) who is not entitled to NHS care.

Anna Soubry: The Department has concluded a comprehensive review of the rules of entitlement to free national health service care of visitors and migrants. Following that review, the Department has since published a consultation entitled “Sustaining services, ensuring fairness: A consultation on migrant access and their financial contribution to NHS provision in England” on proposals to make the charging system fairer including seeking views on who should be entitled to free NHS care.
	A copy of the consultation and the summary report “2012 review of overseas visitors charging policy” have already been placed in the Library.
	The Department is currently not able to make a reliable estimate of the number of British pensioners who permanently live abroad but return to the United Kingdom to access NHS treatment. To support the development of the proposals within the consultation, the Department has commissioned independent professional research to better understand the extent of the use of the NHS of migrants and visitors, including British pensioners.

Health Services: Wales

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what health protocols have been entered into by English NHS trusts with neighbouring Welsh health boards.

Anna Soubry: From 1 April 2013, NHS England took over responsibility from the Department for the detail and implementation of cross-border health policy. The protocol for cross-border health care services has been renewed and developed between the national health service in England and Wales to secure cross-border health care provision in a way that supports improved patient outcomes and avoids the fragmentation of care. The protocol is available on the NHS England website at:
	www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/part-rel/
	NHS England is currently discussing the operation of the protocol with the Welsh Assembly Government.
	The Department does not manage or review agreements between local NHS organisations, and does not hold any information about specific local arrangements along the border between England and Wales.

Health: Restaurants

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many quick service restaurants have endorsed Public Health Responsibility Deals in the UK; and how many such restaurants have committed to deals that deliver a healthier product to consumers.

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many quick service restaurants have endorsed public health responsibility deals to date; which of those have committed to deals that aim to deliver a healthier product to consumers; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: 11 quick service restaurants are currently signed up to the Public Health Responsibility Deal through its Food Network and have made commitments to help consumers improve their diet.
	We have defined quick service restaurants as outlets which have take away or eat in, or both, and where the customer pays, and generally collects their food up front—before sitting down or leaving with their food.

Heart Diseases

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps his Department is taking to draw upon patient experience when comparing unit with unit in the new congenital cardiac review;
	(2)  if he will take steps to ensure that, following the new congenital cardiac review, configuration of children's heart surgery units will not be determined by the location of existing specialist services;
	(3)  if he will take steps to ensure that the future of cardiothoracic transplant and respiratory extra corporeal membrane oxygenation will be contingent on the final proposals for congenital heart surgery and that configuration will not be determined by the location of existing specialist services.

Anna Soubry: NHS England is taking forward the new national review of congenital heart disease services.
	My hon. Friend will be aware that NHS England has published its early thinking on the way forward in improving these services. This paper is available at:
	www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/180713-item13.pdf
	We are advised by NHS England that its aim is to develop a process which is robust, transparent and inclusive, particularly in the use of evidence and data. It is too soon to describe the exact process, or what account will be taken of the current location of other specialist services. Information will be gathered from a wide variety of sources as the review seeks to deliver an effective and equitable solution in the interests of securing the best outcomes for all patients.

Heart Diseases

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to his Department's Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy, published in March 2013, what progress NHS England has made on working with the Resuscitation Council, the British Heart Foundation and other stakeholders 
	(1)  to consider ways of increasing the number of people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators;
	(2)  to promote first responder programmes by ambulance services;
	(3)  (a) to promote automated external defibrillator (AED) site mapping and registration and (b) the use of the existing national database of AEDs.

Anna Soubry: NHS England's work on these commitments is in the early stages. It will provide details on how they are being taken forward in due course.

Heart Diseases

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether the Scottish congenital cardiac surgery unit will be included in the new review of congenital cardiac care;
	(2)  when the new review of congenital cardiac care will commence;
	(3)  whether the new review of congenital cardiac care will consider quality of care through the entire process of child heart surgery;
	(4)  what role (a) patients, (b) the public and (c) other stakeholders will have in the new review of congenital cardiac care.

Anna Soubry: NHS England is responsible for conducting the new national review of congenital heart disease services, which is now under way. The process will be discussed with interested parties and confirmed in due course.
	We are advised that NHS England is committed to a review that is robust, transparent and inclusive, in the interests of delivering high quality and sustainable services for all patients.

Heart Diseases: Children

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that all children's cardiac surgery units are as vigorously assessed as the Leeds Children's Cardiac Surgery Unit has recently been.

Anna Soubry: There are no current plans to assess the remaining nine children's cardiac surgery units in the same way as the local review currently under way in Leeds. The review at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was specifically commissioned to look at the day to day safety of the unit following the concerns which had been raised.
	The safety of all children's cardiac surgery units is paramount. We are advised by NHS England that it is continually working with professional bodies such as the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research and independent regulators to ensure that individual units are meeting and operating within the appropriate safety standards.

Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what deficit has been accumulated by Circle Healthcare Ltd in each year since it was awarded the operational franchise of Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the ratio of public to private patients is expected to be at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what savings are budgeted for under the agreement governing the operational franchise of Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: The following table shows the financial position for Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust in each year to date since the franchise agreement was awarded to Circle Healthcare Ltd.
	
		
			 £000 
			 Trust name 2011-12 operating surplus 2012-13 operating surplus 
			 Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust 186 0 
			 Notes: 1. Figures for 2011-12 are published in The Quarter 4 publication for 2011-12 (Department of Health). 2. Figures for 2012-13 are taken from Q4 returns from NHS trusts. 
		
	
	Information on the ratio of public and private patients expected to be treated by the trust is not held centrally.
	The budgeted savings under the franchising agreement in each over the next 10 years are published in the National Audit Office report, ‘The Franchising of Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust’ (8 November 2012), at Figure 9. The total projected savings over the 10 years are £311 million.. The report is available at:
	www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/1213628.pdf
	A copy has been placed in the Library.

Hospitals: Buckinghamshire

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what special measures are being applied to Buckinghamshire Health Trust following the Keogh review into hospital mortality rates.

Daniel Poulter: The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) has written to Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust suspending its foundation trust application and asking it to set out its plans for implementing the findings of the Keogh review. The trust will have its action plan rigorously scrutinised and the board leadership will be further assessed by the NHS TDA.
	The NHS TDA will work with the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to support it to improve but will take every necessary action to ensure that the issues raised in the Keogh review are addressed.

Human Papillomavirus

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual cost of the HPV vaccination programme under each cost heading is.

Anna Soubry: The average annual administration cost of the Human Papillomavirus vaccination programme for the three year period from the start of April 2010 to the end of March 2013 was £8.6 million.
	This figure excludes the cost of the vaccine and its storage and distribution as this information is commercially confidential.

In Vitro Fertilisation

Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what his Department's policy is on local assisted conception policies which restrict access to IVF treatment on the grounds that one partner has children from a previous relationship;
	(2)  if he will endorse the recommendations contained within the 2013 NICE guideline on fertility which recommends that three full cycles of IVF be provided to eligible couples;
	(3)  with reference to the answer of 1 March 2013 to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton South West, Official Report, column 726W, on IVF, when Infertility Network UK's eligibility criteria commissioning tool was published; and what steps his Department has taken since then to reduce variations in access criteria across the country;
	(4)  if he will issue guidance on whether a clinical commissioning group can be deemed to have failed in its duty to discharge its functions if it refuses to commission fertility services; and what his policy is on intervention by NHS England in such cases.

Anna Soubry: Infertility affects thousands of couples so the Department welcomed the National Institute of Care Excellence recommendations in its revised 2013 guideline on fertility. The Department expects local national health service organisations to have regard to this new guidance when making decisions about offering fertility services to their communities.
	We recognise that some NHS commissioners have set their own local criteria for access to fertility treatment, including restriction related to existing children. This was identified by the Expert Group on Commissioning NHS Infertility Provision in 2009 and an approach to address these variations was outlined in Infertility Network UK's (INUK) “Standardising Access Criteria to NHS Fertility Treatment” guidance, which was funded by the Department.
	The Department has promoted this guidance in letters to the NHS, in replies to correspondence, in funding INUK to engage with NHS commissioners and through links to the Department of Health and NHS England websites.
	It is for NHS England to make decisions about issuing guidance to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) about the commissioning of fertility services. In February 2013, it published “Commissioning fertility services factsheet”, which provides guidance to CCGs about commissioning fertility services.
	It is for NHS England to assess in individual cases whether a CCG has failed to discharge its functions. It is also for NHS England to provide guidance on the threshold for the use of its formal intervention powers.

Monitor

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the 14 hospitals investigated as part of Sir Bruce Keogh's recent report were regulated by Monitor; and what steps the regulator took to address the problems identified in the Keogh Report at each such hospital during the last five years.

Daniel Poulter: Of the 14 hospitals that were investigated as part of Sir Bruce Keogh's recent report, nine are regulated by Monitor. A summary of the actions taken by Monitor in relation to the nine hospitals is set out as follows.
	
		
			 Trust Monitor Action 
			 Blackpool Found in significant breach of terms of authorisation in November 2010 because it had a financial risk rating (FRR) of 2. In March 2011 a board governance review commissioned by the trust highlighted issues with board leadership. During the significant breach period board governance, financial governance and financial position all improved. A follow up review of board governance was commissioned for March 2012. A high hospital mortality rate led to Monitor requiring the trust to commission an external review of mortality in March 2012. Prior to de-escalating the trust (which happened in May 2012) Monitor confirmed with Care Quality Commission (CQC) their view that trust was compliant with outcomes and all outstanding CQC compliance actions had been removed. 
			   
			 Colchester Found in significant breach of terms of authorisation in November 2009 due to concerns with governance, high mortality (of which there had been no reduction in figures during 2007-08 and 2008-09) and poor CQC inpatient results. Monitor intervened to remove the chair, following which there were a number of changes made to the leadership of the Trust with appointments of a substantive Chair, Chief Executive, Financial Director, Chief Operating Officer and four new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Trust de-escalated from significant breach in September 2012 after follow up reviews which reported in March 2012 that demonstrated sustained reduction in hospital mortality and an improvement in compliance regarding targets and standards. 
		
	
	
		
			   
			 Dudley Found in significant breach during December 2009 due to persistent failure to meet accident and emergency (A&E) targets. The implementation of an action plan to address this was monitored. During December 2010 Monitor removed the trust from significant breach as it had demonstrated sustainable improvement. 
			   
			 Basildon Found in significant breach during November 2009 due to governance concerns caused by rates of health care associated infections (HCAIs), high mortality rates and CQC's review of children's services. Monitor intervened to put in place temporary support for the Medical and Nursing Directors and required the trust to put a task force in place to drive change. Monitor oversaw a number of changes to the board including the appointment of a new chair, NEDs, chief executive (CE), director of nursing and medical director (MD) (chair, CE and MD all appointed in last 12 months). During May 2012 Monitor commissioned an independent review of legionella management at the trust as this had been a persistent problem and required the trust to address the issue. The trust is still in breach of its licence for general governance, A&E performance, referral-to-treatment-time performance, mortality figures and standards in paediatric services. The trust is required to implement a turnaround plan and quality governance review. 
			   
			 Medway Found in significant breach during April 2011 due to FRR2. At that time, the trust was required to have an external review of its financial plan and financial governance. The trust was required to take proactive action to understand its elevated mortality rates in 2011-12. They established a mortality working group to address this. The trust was required to deliver against certain milestones and key deliverables in their action plan to address this during 2012. Monitor required the trust to get peer input on their approach to addressing their mortality rates. This came from Frimley Park. Monitor wrote to the CQC in late 2011 and 2012 to request feedback on quality related concerns. Off the back of this we required the trust to get a quality governance peer review in April 2012. Monitor required the trust to gain external support from ECIST (effective approaches in urgent and emergency care) in 2012-13. Monitor required the trust to appoint a turnaround director and get an external review of cost improvement programmes. 
			   
			 Burton Found in significant breach during November 2011 for financial reasons (FRR2). Monitor asked CQC in November 2011 of their view on the trust given their status as a mortality outlier. CQC acknowledged the trust's performance on mortality but took no further action. An external review of board effectiveness took place in March 2012. An external review of quality governance took place in May 2012. An external review of financial governance took place in June 2012. The chair stepped down in July 2012 as a result of reviews in June 2012. board commissioned a clinical governance review (focus patient safety) in December 2012. ECIST review of urgent care in December 2012 was followed up in June 2013 and there had been positive progress. An external review of Finance/Cost Improvement programme will take place during 2013. Follow up review of board effectiveness and full quality governance review took place in June 2013. 
			   
			 Sherwood Found in significant breach during October 2012 and required the trust to: appoint an interim chair; appoint a chief executive; commission reviews of quality and board governance and commission a diagnostic review of the trust's financial position and long term strategy. These reviews identified significant governance concerns and the trust is required to complete a governance improvement plan by September 2013. 
			   
			 Tameside Found in significant breach during February 2011 for financial reasons (FRR2). The trust is required to develop and deliver a recovery plan. This has been on track in 2011-12 and in 2012-13 but the trust still has an FRR2. The recovery plan has the trust moving to an FRR3 by Q4 2013-14. Monitor required the trust to commission a review of quality governance and this was completed in November 2011. A follow up review in November 2012 found that the trust had generally made good progress. Regular risk summits that had been held between Monitor, CQC and the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) ceased in September 2012 when CQC and SHA agreed the trust was successfully addressing quality issues. The trust commissioned a peer review of nursing from University Hospitals South Manchester in February 2012. The review was very critical of nursing leadership and the nursing director was replaced in June 2012. Monitor has requested CQC to review aspects of quality of care a number of times, each time no major issues were identified (most recent May 2013). 
			   
			 North Lincolnshire and Goole Found in significant breach during Q4 2008-09 due to governance concerns reflected by high HCAI rates. In Q3 2009-10 Monitor removed the trust from significant breach as improvement had been demonstrated. On two other occasions Monitor has considered finding the Trust in breach for high HCAI rates. The Trust did not meet the threshold for significant breach at these times.

NHS: Finance

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts would currently fail the tests for financial viability to convert a NHS trust to a NHS foundation trust; what assessment he has made of the extent to which each such failure could be caused by PFI-related financing arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: There is no single test that assesses long-term financial viability.
	The majority of national health service trusts will have the opportunity to achieve foundation trust status. For many this will be through a standalone application process, and for others it may be through a merger or as part of an acquisition. The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) is working with the remaining NHS trusts to scrutinise closely the financial and clinical feasibility of each organisation to ensure that each trust is capable of providing high quality, sustainable services to patients.
	Before applying for foundation status an NHS trust must first receive approval from the NHS TDA, but it is ultimately Monitor that makes the assessment to ensure the trust is financially viable, legally constituted and well governed before awarding foundation trust status.
	The Secretary of State commissioned a review of the private finance initiative (PFI) contracts to determine whether the affordability of PR schemes was a critical factor in the financial viability of certain trusts. The work identified six NHS trusts and one foundation trust as requiring central support for PFI contracts. To access any PFI central support the trust must ensure that four tests laid down by the Secretary of State can be satisfied.

NHS: Finance

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS Trusts are in debt relating to the accumulation of annual deficits; what the size of each relevant debt is; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: National health service trusts with a breakeven cumulative deficit position in 2012-13 are shown in the following table.
	The Department does not collect data from individual NHS foundation trusts. Where an NHS trust obtains foundation trust status part way through any year, the data provided is only for the part of the year the organisation operated as an NHS trust.
	
		
			 NHS trust Breakeven cumulative position—Deficit (£000) 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 239,340 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust(1) 7,660 
			 East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 2,000 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 19,158 
			 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 2,374 
			 Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust 38,014 
			 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 3,403 
			 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 932 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 65,312 
			 NHS Direct NHS Trust 38,857 
			 North Bristol NHS Trust 1,504 
			 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 2,233 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 57,346 
			 Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,510 
			 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 798 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 12,629 
			 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust(2) 13,056 
			 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 22,013 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 192,713 
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 44,270 
			 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 8,083 
			 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 18,049 
			 Weston Area Health NHS Trust 2,911 
			 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 18,327 
			 (1 )Data based on draft accounts. (2 )Absorbed by York Foundation Trust on 1 July 2012.

NHS: Finance

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts had an annual deficit in the last financial year for which reports are available; what the size of each such annual deficit was; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: National health service trusts with an operating deficit in 2012-13 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			 NHS trust 2012-13 Operating deficit (£000) 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 39,492 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,094 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 20,456 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718

NHS: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS Trusts had an end-of-year deficit between their income and expenditure in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 by (i) region and (ii) multiples of £500,000; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: National health service trusts with an operating deficit in 2011-12 and 2012-13 are shown by region in the following tables.
	The Department does not collect data from individual NHS foundation trusts. Where an NHS trust obtains foundation trust status part way through any year, the data provided are only for the part of the year the organisation operated as an NHS trust.
	
		
			 (i) By region 
			 Trust name Operating deficit (£000) 
			 2011-12  
			 North of England region  
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 19,217 
			   
			 Midlands and East region  
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 2,156 
			   
		
	
	
		
			 London region  
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 49,913 
			 Baits Health NHS Trust 3,940 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,211 
			 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 8,419 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 7,534 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 65,063 
			   
			 South of England region  
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 6,056 
			 Southampton University Hospitals NH5 Trust 1,908 
			   
			 2012-13  
			 North of England region  
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839 
			   
			 London region  
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 39,492 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,094 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 20,456 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718 
		
	
	
		
			 (ii) Multiples of £500,000—only categories with entries are shown in the following table 
			   £000 
			 2011-12   
			 £65,000 to 65,500 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 65,063 
			 £49,500 to £50,000 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 49,913 
			 £19,000 to £19,500 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 19,217 
			 £12,000 to £12,500 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,277 
			 £8,000 to £8,500 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 8,419 
			 £7,500 to £8,000 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 7,534 
			 £6,000 to £6,500 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 6,056 
			 £3,500 to £4,000 Barts Healthcare NHS Trust 3,940 
			 £2,000 to £2,500 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 2,156 
			 £1,500 to £2,000 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 1,908 
			    
			 2012-13   
			 £44,500 to £45,000 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 44,718 
			 £39,000 to £39,500 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 39,492 
			 £21,500 to £22,000 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21,839 
			 £20,000 to £21,500 North West London NHS Trust 20,456 
			 £12,000 to £12,500 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 12,094

NHS: Innovation

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Commissioning through Evaluation will be introduced by NHS England.

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when NHS England will start to fund procedures through the Commissioning Through Evaluation criteria;
	(2)  how much NHS England has committed to fund technologies to be considered as part of Commissioning Through Evaluation.

Anna Soubry: NHS England has developed a new approach to commissioning called ‘Commissioning through Evaluation’ (CtE). It is currently subject to NHS England Board executive approval. If approved it will be rolled out across England.
	CtE is intended to support directly commissioned specialised procedures or services where there is currently insufficient evidence of relative clinical and cost-effectiveness to be routinely commissioned by NHS England, but where there is believed to be genuine ‘promise’ as a potential future treatment option. It is particularly pertinent to specialised services where small patient numbers are less amenable to randomised controlled trials.
	Procedures or treatments agreed as part of the CtE programme will be commissioned on a limited basis as part of a formal evaluation project, with patient selection criteria, provider selection criteria and evaluation measures developed with a range of stakeholders including patients and clinical experts. Findings will then be used to inform future substantive commissioning policy decisions.
	NHS England envisage that the initially proposed CtE programme should be open to patients by the autumn.
	NHS England is still working up the detailed costings for this programme but, in general, investment for these treatments is expected to be set at the level of historic national health service expenditure (such as equivalent to expenditure during 2012-13), and will vary from treatment to treatment.

NHS: Judicial Review

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications for judicial review have been brought against NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years; which NHS Trusts and NHS foundations trusts have been the subject of such applications; whether the decisions challenged in such applications were upheld; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: This information is not held centrally.

NHS: Private Sector

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts or NHS foundation trusts have entered into which operational franchises with a private company; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust is currently the only trust operating under franchise arrangements. Circle Healthcare Ltd began operating the trust in 2012, under a 10-year contract.

NHS: Staff

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of the number of staff currently working in the NHS in England who had been engaged by NHS bodies (a) through personal service companies and (b) as permanent members of staff before having their contract of employment terminated and then being re-employed; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: The Department does not collect information on staff employed in the national health service through personal services companies and does not have robust data on the number of permanent staff who have had their contracts of employment terminated for all reasons and then been re-employed. However, we do have validated data on those staff who have had their contracts of employment terminated by reason of redundancy and who have subsequently been re-employed.
	15,700 NHS employees were made redundant during the period May 2010 to the end of December 2012. The overwhelming majority of the staff made redundant were from the back office and administrative areas. The number of clinical staff increased by 5,522 during the same period, showing that this Government is committed to investing in the NHS frontline. Of those made redundant, 2,400 were subsequently re-employed up to the end of January 2013.

Patients: Greater Manchester

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with NHS trusts in Greater Manchester in each of the last five years.

Anna Soubry: The information is not held in the format requested. Patients do not register at NHS trusts.
	However, numbers of patients registered with general practitioners in Greater Manchester Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) for 2008 to 2012 (as at 30 September) are shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Greater Manchester PCTs 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Salford PCT 235,664 239,908 243,115 247,873 247,892 
			 Stockport PCT 296,277 297,563 298,391 299,411 299,444 
			 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 308,241 318,416 319,709 320,512 320,562 
			 Bolton PCT 283,600 290,175 292,719 295,125 295,583 
			 Oldham PCT 236,333 237,390 238,459 240,028 238,974 
			 Bury PCT 192,354 193,934 193,803 195,119 196,291 
			 Tameside and Glossop PCT 237,272 237,984 239,598 240,378 240,968 
			 Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT 218,522 221,456 222,633 223,816 224,860 
			 Trafford PCT 226,606 230,963 229,099 233,534 230,707 
			 Manchester PCT 526,247 537,130 547,395 558,663 564,922 
			 Total 2,761,116 2,804,919 5,824,921 2,854,459 2,860,203 
			 Notes: 1. The PCTs used covered the 10 districts that constitute Greater Manchester. It should be noted that Glossop is not in Greater Manchester but is part of Tameside and Glossop PCT and cannot be separated. 2. The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data, but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The Information Centre for Health and Social Care—GP Workforce and Facilities Annual Census

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

School Milk

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether, as part of its consideration of a contract-based model for the administration of the Nursery Milk Scheme, his Department has assessed the likelihood that a company that wins the contract would be able to put in place an immediate supply chain.

Daniel Poulter: The Department is currently analysing evidence and responses received to the Next Steps for Nursery Milk consultation. A decision about the future operation of the Nursery Milk Scheme will be made after full consideration is given to the evidence, responses and other relevant information.

Strokes

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to improve awareness amongst the public and healthcare professionals of the symptoms of stroke;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to support healthier lifestyles and reduce cardiovascular and stroke risk;
	(3)  what steps he is taking to involve stroke patients in their care planning;
	(4)  what steps he is taking to ensure that stroke patients are treated in acute stroke centres that provide 24 hour care;
	(5)  what progress he has made on diagnosing and treating transient ischaemic attacks.

Anna Soubry: One of the objectives in the Government's Mandate to NHS England is for the national health service to give patients more power to manage and make decisions about their own care and treatment. Achieving this objective would mean that by 2015, everyone with a long-term condition will be offered a personalised care plan that reflects their preferences and agreed decisions.
	We know that stroke patients do better when admitted to stroke units. The Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Outcome Strategy, published in March 2013, sets out that all CVD patients should have access to what is recognised as the right treatment; including specialist teams and 24-hour services where appropriate.
	In 2008, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produced clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke and transient ischaernic attacks. NICE subsequently published a quality standard on stroke which covers care provided to adult stroke patients by healthcare staff during diagnosis and initial management, acute-phase care, rehabilitation and long-term management. All hospitals now run specialist transient ischaemic attack clinics.
	The CVD Outcomes Strategy reiterates our commitment to the NHS Health Check programme. NHS England will be working with Public Health England (PHE) to make the NHS Health Check programme as effective as possible, helping to reduce people's risk of developing CVDs through advice on lifestyle factors.
	The Act FAST (face, arm, speech, time to call 999) stroke awareness campaign has been one of the Government's most successful campaigns. PHE will continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke by running campaigns such as Act FAST and trialling new campaigns.
	The Tobacco Control Plan, the Call for Action on Obesity, the Change 4 life programme and the Responsibility Deal all aim to support healthier lifestyles and reduce risk factors for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Tobacco: Scotland

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has held with his Scottish counterpart on the use of a Section 104 to assist with the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes.

Anna Soubry: No such discussions have taken place.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Air Travel

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  how many officials of his Department travelled economy class by aeroplane in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and what the total cost was of such travel in each such year;
	(2)  how many officials of his Department travelled first class by aeroplane in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2008-09; and what the total cost was of such travel in each such year;
	(3)  how many officials of his Department travelled business class by aeroplane in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12; and what the total cost was in each year.

Gregory Barker: DECC was created in October 2008 and full financial data for the period 2008-10 are unavailable. The following table shows the data centrally held:
	
		
			  2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			  No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 
			 Economy n/a n/a n/a 356 n/a 460 n/a. 446 
			 Business n/a n/a 64 321 51 215 19 167 
			 First class n/a n/a — — 1 0.5 — — 
			 Total  (1)1,216 64 677 52 676 19 613 
			 (1)Class of travel could not be determined from the records held for 2009-10 
		
	
	The Department's records include the number of flights taken rather than the number of officials travelling. We have reviewed the data to determine the number of individual officials travelling in non-economy but we are not able to complete the same exercise in respect of economy travel without incurring disproportionate cost. It is possible that some flights may have been booked directly with carriers by staff and the costs reimbursed. We do not hold details of such flights centrally
	The nature of DECC's work necessitates international travel. One of DECC's four key priorities is “to drive ambitious action on climate change at home and abroad”. In order to fulfil this objective, officials engaged in the international energy and climate change arena have to undertake overseas travel to engage with international bodies and stakeholders.

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many creditors to his Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 45 days, (c) 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years.

Gregory Barker: For the two financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12 there were no creditors owed more than £10,000. The accounting system used by the Department during those years only recorded invoices at the point of payment.
	The Department's current accounting system recognizes invoices when they are submitted if they are made out to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and a valid purchase order number is provided. As of 31 March 2013, the following number of invoices over £10,000 remain unpaid:
	30 to 45 days: one invoice
	45 to 60 days: one invoice
	90 + days: four invoices (not being paid until issues raised with the suppliers are properly resolved)

British Gas Trading

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2013, Official Report, column 59W, on energy: finance, what process was followed in the award to British Gas Trading of a capital grant for heat pumps and thermal storage of £2,800,000 in 2012-13.

Michael Fallon: DECC awarded a grant of up to £2.8 million to the Customer Led Network Revolution (CLNR) programme, of which British Gas is a partner with Northern Powergrid, Durham University and EA Technologies. CLNR was subject to a competitive process under Ofgem's Low Carbon Innovation Fund. DECC was approached by Ofgem and the project consortium to provide support within the CLNR's work programme on heat pumps (to understand the potential benefits to the distribution network of integrating heat pumps with thermal storage). The grant was approved since the objectives of this project aligned closely with the priorities of DECC's innovation programme and at the time there was no other project pursuing similar activities at the scale of CLNR.

Climate Change

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what estimates his Department were given in 2008 of the expected average global temperature in 2013;
	(2)  what estimates his Department has been given by the Met Office of the expected average global temperature in 2018.

Gregory Barker: The Met Office published its first experimental decadal forecast in 2007 and has issued updates looking five to ten years ahead on its web site since December 2009; no update to the initialised forecast was supplied to DECC in 2008. These forecasts are not intended to predict a particular year's global temperature as year-to-year variations in global temperature are dominated by the effects of the El Nino Southern Oscillation, which is not predictable more than a year ahead. Instead, they aim to forecast slow fluctuations in the climate system over the next few years.
	Nevertheless, values for individual years can be extracted and the very first forecast, made in 2007, suggested that 2013 would likely be 0.53 to 0.89 degrees C (90% confidence) warmer than the 1961 to 1990 average. No equivalent estimate is currently available for 2018 as the latest five-year forecast, issued in December 2012, is for the period 2013 to 2017(1). However, this shows that the Earth is expected to maintain the record warmth that has been observed over the last decade, with the possibility that new record global temperatures may be reached in the next five years.
	Met Office five-year forecasts are assessed once the verifying observations are available.
	(1)( )http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/news/decadal-forecasting

Climate Change

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of whether an increase of 0.8 degrees celsius in average global temperatures is statistically significant.

Gregory Barker: The world has warmed by about 0.8 degrees Celsius since the 19th century(1). This warming was reported to be statistically significant by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in Section 3.2 of its Fourth Assessment Working Group I Report.
	(1) Met Office (2013). The recent pause in global warming (1); What do observations of the climate system tell us?
	http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/e/f/Paper1_Observing_changes_in_the_climate_system.PDF

Climate Change

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the UK of complying with the Climate Change Act 2008.

Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 sets in place a legally binding target for the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/pdfs/ukpga_20080027_en.pdf
	There are uncertainties around how this 2050 target will be met. However, in the Carbon Plan (December 2011), the Department put forward four plausible example pathways that meet the target:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/47613/3702-the-carbon-plan-delivering-our-low-carbon-future.pdf
	Details of the pathways, including associated estimates of full energy system costs, can be examined in the report and using the 2050 Calculator: a tool which allows users to examine the full range of physically possible scenarios for meeting the 2050 target:
	http://2050-calculator-tool.decc.gov.uk/
	The costs of technologies out to 2050 are uncertain, however the following table shows our best estimates for the four pathways, which vary between £4,735 and £5,329 per person per year on average between 2010 and 2050. These costs include all capital, operating and fuel costs for the whole energy system including cars, trains, planes, power stations, boilers and insulation, but exclude the damage costs of climate change and the costs of changing people's behaviour, such as encouraging them to turn down their thermostat. The table also shows that if climate change wasn't tackled, the cost would be £4,690 per person per year on average between 2010 and 2050; however, if climate change damage costs were also included, the cost-would be even higher.
	These are just some of the possible scenarios. It might be cheaper to meet the carbon target than not, even if the costs of climate change damage are excluded. This depends on the future cost of fossil fuels, the extent to which technologies such as electric vehicles fall in cost and the extent to which people are willing to change behaviour. Using the tool, members of the public can explore these uncertainties.
	
		
			 Amortised annual per capita total energy system costs to 2050 
			 Pathway Total (£) 
			 Not tackling climate change 4,690 
			 Higher renewables 5,120 
			 Higher nuclear 5,329 
			 Higher CCS 5,265 
			 MARKAL 3.26 4,735 
			 Note: Based on 2050 Calculator version 3.4.6.

E.ON UK

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2013, Official Report, column 59W, on energy: finance; what projects the Research and Development Expenditure (Programme) payments to E.ON of (a) £1,519,351 in 2009-10 and (b) £8,767,856 in 2010-11 were earmarked for.

Michael Fallon: Payments to E.ON of (a) £1,519,351 in 2009-10 and (b) £8,767,856 in 2010-11 were for two projects. These were:
	1. £9,734,083 for the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies produced under the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Demonstration Programme for E.ON's proposed Kingsnorth project.
	2. £553,124 for the Energy Demand Research Project (EDRP), which was a suite of large scale trials across Great Britain. The aim was to understand how consumers react to improved information about their energy consumption over the long term. The EDRP trialled a range of methods of providing customers with improved feedback on their energy consumption, including:
	smart electricity and gas meters
	real-time display devices, which show energy use in pounds and pence
	more accurate and more frequent bills
	energy saving information
	community engagement.
	The trials were made up of different combinations of these actions and explored the responses of over 50,000 different households. The trials began in 2007 and finished at the end of 2010. The EDRP was match-funded by government and industry.

Energy Companies Obligation

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills regarding BT Openreach's work to deliver measures under the Energy Company Obligation.

Gregory Barker: Government policy on telecommunications related issues is a matter for the Department of Culture Media and Sport (not the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills). BT is also regulated by the communications regulator—Ofcom. The Department has raised with both these bodies the issue of work BT may undertake related to the installation of measures under the energy company obligation.

Energy Companies Obligation

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effect of fees being charged by BT Openreach for eyebolt installations on the cost of delivering the Energy Company Obligation.

Gregory Barker: We have made no assessment of the costs charged by BT relating to eyebolt installations, which may be required as part of the installation of solid wall insulation.
	However, we are aware of concerns raised by some promoters of energy efficiency schemes under ECO about the costs charged by BT for related work and also by BT about alleged damage to, and unlawful interference with, their equipment by those undertaking energy efficiency schemes.
	We will encourage energy companies and the supply chain to take the issue of BT equipment into account when planning schemes and will consider any evidence, that we are presented with, that suggests that there is a wider problem related to solid wall insulation measures and the provision of telecommunications infrastructure.

Energy: Finance

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which energy companies have received capital grants from his Department in each of the last five years.

Gregory Barker: Capital grant payments made by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to identified energy companies is given in the table.
	
		
			 £000 
			  2008-09 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Total 
			 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 94 46 — — 140 
			 British Gas Trading Ltd — — — 2,800 2,800

Energy: Housing

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to his Department's publication entitled Final Project Report: An investigation of the effect of EPC ratings on house prices, what the evidential basis is for his Department's conclusion that the cost of energy is having an affect on house prices.

Gregory Barker: The report shows there is a link between domestic properties' energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings and the price at which they are sold in the market. This is based on analysing data from the Land Registry and Landmark available for properties sold. In addition to its EPC rating, information is available on: a property's actual sale price; its size; its characteristics (e.g. detached, terraced etc.); its age; and its location.
	The study covered property transactions for 325,950 dwellings between 1995 and 2011. It found that, in addition to other factors, EPC ratings were significant in explaining price differentials in most regions and for most property types. It also found that revealing EPC ratings had a positive impact on energy efficient properties. It did this by tracking the same properties that were sold before and after 2007 (when EPCs were mandatory), and compared their price premiums them to those that were less energy efficient, according to their EPC.
	DECC has issued a clarification to some of the comments it is aware of since the study's release at:
	http://blog.decc.gov.uk/2013/07/24/addressing-criticism-to-deccs-epchouse-price-hedonic-pricing-report/

Green Deal Scheme

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals to allow Green Deal finance to cover the upfront cost of purchasing heat pumps.

Gregory Barker: A contribution to the costs of installing a purchasing heat pump can already be included in the financing of a Green Deal Plan, up to the limit of the expected savings made as a result of the package of measures. Any future payments under the renewable heat incentives are not currently included in that calculation.

Green Deal Scheme

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what differences there are in the obligations placed on installers by the codes of practice for the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation.

Gregory Barker: Installers operating in the Green Deal are required to comply with the Green Deal framework regulations and relevant parts of the Green Deal code of practice. Installers operating under the energy company obligation (ECO) are required to comply with the Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2012, and guidance published by Ofgem entitled ‘Energy Companies Obligation (ECO): Guidance for Suppliers (Version 1.1)’.
	Links to these documents, detailing installer requirements for both schemes, can be found here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69090/green_deal_code_practice_version_3.pdf
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111525227/contents
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111525456/contents
	https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/energy-companies-obligation-eco-guidance-suppliers-version-1.1-0

Insulation: Woking

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many homes in Woking constituency have received insulation under his Department's energy efficiency programmes in each of the last three years.

Gregory Barker: The Energy Savings Trust (EST) publishes reports on cavity wall insulation and professionally installed loft insulation delivered through the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) as recorded in the Homes Energy Efficiency Database. The following table shows the number of installations of cavity wall and loft insulation under CERT in each of the last three years for the Woking constituency, as published by EST. The CERT year runs from 1 April to 31 March; the final year of CERT runs from l April 2012 to 31 December 2012.
	
		
			 Table 1: Cavity wall and loft insulation delivered under CERT, Woking constituency 
			  1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012 
			 Cavity wall insulation 602 779 654 
			 Loft insulation 814 1,032 886 
		
	
	The following table shows the number of installations of insulation measures under Warm Front in the Woking constituency.
	
		
			 Table 2: Installations of insulation under Warm Front, Woking constituency 
			  1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 
			 Cavity wall insulation 7 (1)— (1)— 
			 Loft insulation 20 4 (1)— 
			 (1) Not shown in order to protect confidentiality. 
		
	
	The number of properties that have installed measures through the Energy company obligation (ECO) or through cashback by local authority and parliamentary constituency, up to 30 June 2013, will be included in the next quarterly Green Deal/ECO statistical release which is planned for publication on 19 September.

Oil: Prices

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will commission an investigation into the UK's oil price setting process.

Michael Fallon: Competition decisions are for the independent competition authorities.
	The European Commission is investigating concerns regarding the manipulation of the published prices for a number of oil and biofuel products, and has made clear that it would inappropriate to comment further until the facts are known. The UK Government and regulators will provide any assistance necessary to the European investigators, and we expect the companies concerned to fully comply with these investigations.
	Earlier this year the Office of Fair Trading published a report into the competitiveness of the fuel market in which they suggested that making more information available about the price of fuel at motorway service areas would be useful to drivers. At that time, the OFT did not receive evidence on the impact on pump prices of potential manipulation of derivatives markets. However, they did set out that they encouraged market participants to approach the OFT and FSA as appropriate if they had evidence of such practices.

Oil: Prices

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent representations he has received calling for a review of the oil price setting process.

Michael Fallon: We have had some representations from interested parties following the announcement of the European Commission investigation into concerns regarding the alleged manipulation of the published prices for a number of oil and biofuel products. This is a matter for the appropriate competition authorities.

Oil: Prices

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the (a) US and (b) EU regulation of oil prices.

Michael Fallon: DECC has not made a recent assessment of the US and EU regulation of oil prices.

Rail Travel

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  how many officials in his Department travelled business class by train in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and what the cost was in each such year;
	(2)  how many officials in his Department travelled by economy class train in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and what the cost to the public purse was in each such year;
	(3)  how many officials in his Department travelled by first class train in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and what the cost to the public purse was in each such year.

Gregory Barker: For the purpose of this question on rail travel, “Economy” has been interpreted as second class and “Business” as first class. DECC was created in October 2008 and full financial data for the period 2008-09 are unavailable. It has not been possible to identify the breakdown by class of travel for the year 2009-10 nor provide the number of all travellers without incurring disproportionate costs. The following table shows the data centrally held:
	
		
			  2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			  No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 No. of officials £000 
			 Second class n/a n/a n/a 212 n/a 277 n/a 242 
			 First class n/a n/a 66 30 19 12 33 9 
			 Total — 625 — 242 — 289 — 251

Renewable Energy

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on what evidential basis he made the decision to set the duration of the proposed Contracts for Differences for renewable energy at 15 years; and if he will publish the analysis produced in support of this decision.

Michael Fallon: The Contracts for Difference (CfD) draft Operational Framework(1) provides the analysis which was conducted to inform the decision on contract length, this considered the appropriate length for different types of renewable generation and focused on two main factors:
	the net present value of support provided over the lifetime of the CfD to generators.
	Investor financing costs, including the availability of debt financing for project financed independent generation.
	A note further summarising details of this analysis was published on the DECC part of the Government website on 7 August 2013:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227491/CfD_contract_length_note.pdf
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48373/5358-annex-b-feedin-tariff-with-contracts-for-differe.pdf

Solar Power

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of the UK's total solar energy likely to be provided by individual homes under the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Gregory Barker: DECC does not hold the relevant figures to provide an estimate.
	The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive has been introduced to give households a genuine choice as to how they heat their homes. Hot water is an important element in this decision and Solar Thermal can make a significant contribution to the production of hot water not only for homes but businesses too. DECC estimates that there could be 28,000 installations a year in the long term but the. size and scale of this deployment is dependent on the market and on home owners choosing solar thermal technology as part of their energy provision.

Wales

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department provides services to people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales.

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change provides a range of services and carries out a number of statutory duties in Wales.
	The Department's statutory duties carried out in Wales include; its responsibilities for the nuclear power industry, such as sponsoring the Civil Nuclear Policing Authority; Civil Nuclear Constabulary; and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Furthermore, the Department also sponsors the Coal Authority and oversees the National Fuel Concessionary Scheme, both of which provide services to Wales.
	The Department has a wide range of policies which operate in Wales and are administered by Ofgem across Great Britain. Ofgem, as the GB energy regulator, is also responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity in Wales. Finally, the Energy Saving Advice Service (0300 123 1234) offers advice on saving energy and reducing bills for consumers in Wales and England.

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the potential cost of offshore windfarm construction to meet the UK's renewable targets for 2020.

Michael Fallon: DECC publishes cost estimates of various generation technologies, including offshore wind, on the DECC website.
	A summary report of the most recent cost data (“Electricity Generation Costs 2013”) was published in July 2013 and is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223940/DECC_Electricity_ Generation_Costs_for_publication_-_24_07_13.pdf
	Table 7 on page 25 shows a range of offshore wind cost estimates.

Written Questions

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  how many questions answered by his Department included fewer than four pages of statistics in the Official Report for the last month;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to ensure that all answers provided by his Department containing tables of statistical data which would not require more than four pages in the Official Report are published in full rather than by reference to a hyperlink.

Gregory Barker: The Department answered a total of 257 ordinary written and named day parliamentary questions between 18 June and 18 July 2013.
	Of those 257 questions answered in the period given, 132 questions asked for statistical data as part of the answer. Of the answers given to those 132 questions:
	90 answers included fewer than four pages of statistics tables in the Official Report;
	12 answers only included internet links to statistical information;
	30 answers did not provide any statistical information. These included nil responses, or where no assessment had been made, and those where information was not provided because of disproportionate cost. Also included in this category are questions which referred to published information, or where the department deposited the information in the Libraries of the House.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Leader of the House of Commons, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 649W.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Anti-Semitism

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the effectiveness of the UK Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: Since his appointment in 2010, Sir Andrew Burns, the Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, has drawn together activity across Government and, working with academic and non-governmental experts, has provided a clearer British international profile, presence and influence on all Holocaust-related matters. He has especially focused on those relating to education and the opening of archives, and responding to the concerns of Holocaust victims and their families.
	As a result, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance requested the UK to take on Chairmanship of the Alliance for the year 2014-15. The International Tracing Service, which ensures the management of Holocaust era archives, asked Sir Andrew to lead the recruitment process to secure a new Director and establish effective governance arrangements around this appointment.
	The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), renewed Sir Andrew's appointment last year as his personal envoy for as long as he holds office in this Parliament.

Apprentices

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  how many apprenticeships his Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010;
	(2)  what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in his Department; and what plans he has to promote such strategies.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers a range of internship and work experience schemes which are designed to support the FCO's future work force requirements, but is not currently offering formal apprenticeship schemes. We will keep this under review.
	FCO Services, a Trading Fund of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, does offer apprenticeships and will continue to recruit about 10 Technical Engineering apprentices annually to its successful Engineering Apprentice programme run in partnership with Milton Keynes College. Their programme is promoted using local and national media, careers fairs and other events and through the National Apprenticeship Service website. In 2012, FCO Services ran an IT trainee scheme for the first time. They are also developing a Project Management Higher Apprentice programme and plan to recruit to this programme in the next 12 months advertising the opportunity using a range of communication tools.
	The number of apprenticeships offered by FCO Services to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010 are as follows:
	
		
			  Age Range 
			  16 to 18 19 to 21 22 to 26 Over 26 
			 2010 2 5 2 1 
			 2011 — 4 3 0 
			 2012 3 1 5 1

Arms Trade: Human Rights

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made regarding the attendance of foreign delegations from (a) countries of concern and (b) other countries identified by his Department in its annual human rights report at the Defence and Security International Exhibition in London.

Alistair Burt: The Government undertakes a stringent process of scrutiny and approval before inviting foreign Governments to a major UK defence exhibition like the Defence and Security International Exhibition in London (DSEI). Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are mandatory considerations undertaken in the process, and we also consider how invitations will impact on bilateral engagement including on issues like human rights. In addition, we review invitations in cases where the situation in any one country changes significantly prior to an exhibition. Invitations do not imply that Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to issue export licenses for the equipment that may be displayed, and any subsequent sales are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated European Union and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria.

Bahrain

Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the government of Bahrain's implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry's recommendations.

Alistair Burt: Our ambassador and his team regularly discuss implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review with the Government of Bahrain, including the Minister of Justice, who heads the BICI Follow-up Unit, The unit published two reports last year which detailed progress made since the BICI presented its recommendations to HM King in November 2011. While progress has been made in certain areas, there is still more that needs to be done and we continue to raise this with the Bahraini authorities. We remain supportive of the reforms already underway and will continue to offer technical assistance where appropriate to help bring long-term stability to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bahrain

Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what projects the UK is providing technical assistance to the government of Bahrain to assist that country's implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry's recommendations.

Alistair Burt: We are working closely with the Government of Bahrain to provide technical assistance to help the authorities deliver on their commitment of full implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). UK assistance has been designed to support a Bahraini led reform process. We have provided assistance in torture prevention, the judiciary, community policing and civil service capacity building. We also continue lo work closely with the Bahraini Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Justice in particular. For example in mid-January the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded a visit to Bahrain by officials from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons to share best practice on National Preventive Mechanisms against torture in detention centres and conducting independent inspections. We remain committed to supporting the authorities to improve the human rights of all its citizens.

Bahrain

Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the government of Bahrain's (a) recent human rights reforms and (b) establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights in that country.

Alistair Burt: We believe the Bahraini Government remains committed to improving its human rights record as recommended by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and during the Universal Periodic Review process last year. The visit of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to Bahrain in June was a positive step. We also welcome the establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights in response to the recommendations set out in the BICI which will spearhead efforts to embed a culture of respect for human rights. While the Government of Bahrain has made progress in addressing the human rights concerns outlined in the BICI, there is still more that needs to be done and we continue to raise this with the Bahraini authorities.

Bahrain

Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent efforts made towards national conciliation and power-sharing by the government of Bahrain.

Alistair Burt: We believe the Bahraini Government remains committed to working toward national conciliation. The UK fully supports the National Consensus Dialogue, which resumed on 28 August after a recess on account of Ramadan and Eid holiday. Our ambassador and his team follow progress on the dialogue closely and continue to encourage all sides to play an inclusive and constructive role in the process. We respect the national ownership of the dialogue and stress the importance of it being a Bahraini-led process and that any solution is agreed by Bahrainis for Bahrainis.

British Council

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of whether the education provider activities of the British Council constitute unfair competition to British private-sector education providers abroad.

Hugo Swire: The British Council has a fair trading policy which ensures that the organisation fully complies with competition and charily law so that its trading activities are at all times conducted fairly and in accordance with relevant legal requirements. They maintain a robust accounting firewall that ensures that use of grant funds does not result in any distortion of competitive markets.
	There is a huge unmet demand for English and education services globally, far outstripping anything the British Council and other UK suppliers combined can offer, presenting abundant opportunities for both the British Council and private sector providers to expand their operations.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has approved the British Council's corporate plan which sets out ambitious targets for growing the Council's self-generated income to reduce its dependence on government grants. All of the British Council's income generation activities further its charitable objectives with any surpluses generated reinvested in its charitable work around the world.

British Council

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will examine where it can work with British private-sector education providers to reduce the cost to the public purse of providing services through the British Council.

Hugo Swire: The British Council delivers many of its services in education and English training on a full cost recovery basis which is at no cost to taxpayers. Funding provided by the UK Government grant supports the delivery of certain services in strategically important countries, for example in conflict zones and developing countries where market opportunities for income generation are limited or non-existent.
	The strategy on how the British Council fulfils its aims and objectives, as set out in the British Council corporate plan, which is approved by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers, is for the British Council Board of Trustees to determine. The British Council is directly engaged with the Education UK Unit within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and contributes to the delivery of the over-arching UK International Education Strategy.

China

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the next UK-China human rights dialogue will take place; what its agenda will be; and if he will raise concerns about the human rights of the Tibetan people at this dialogue. [R]

Hugo Swire: We are working with the Chinese to agree dates for the next Human Rights Dialogue in 2014. An agenda has not yet been finalised, but we would expect Tibet to form a key part of any such discussions, alongside other concerns we have about the broader human rights situation in China. Tibet was discussed at the last UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in January

China

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to his Chinese counterpart on that country upholding its constitutional commitments to allow freedom of assembly and religious belief; and if he will request an investigation into the actions of the security forces who opened fire on unarmed Tibetans celebrating the birthday of their spiritual leader. [R]

Hugo Swire: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet with the Chinese Authorities. We outlined our concerns in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Human Rights Report, which was published on 15 April 2013 and can be found at:
	www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk
	and in the update to it, published on 19 July 2013. We also expect to discuss Tibet at the next UK-China Human Rights Dialogue.
	We raised our concerns at official level on 23 July about the incident in Dawu on the Dalai Lama's Birthday.

Commonwealth

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the policy of his Department is on encouraging other Commonwealth member states that criminalise consensual, private same-sex sexual conduct to repeal the applicable legislation; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: The protection and promotion of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is an integral part of the Government's wider international human rights agenda.
	LGBT rights remain a difficult and controversial issue in the Commonwealth. Indeed, in addition to some Commonwealth member states having existing legislation criminalising homosexuality, we have been concerned by recent attempts in several other Commonwealth states to introduce punitive laws to address homosexuality.
	We regularly raise LGBT issues at meetings with Commonwealth counterparts and non-government organisations. The UK supported the Commonwealth Charter which opposes all forms of discrimination on all grounds. We continue to press other member states to live up to this commitment.
	The UK continues to work through our high commissions to promote tolerance and non-discrimination against LGBT people and to address discriminatory laws, in particular those that criminalise homosexuality.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government plans to make at the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in relation to discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: UK Ministers took every opportunity at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth to raise human rights issues, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), told the Commonwealth Peoples Forum the UK “would like to see the Commonwealth do more to promote the rights of its LGBT citizens”.
	Plans for this year's CHOGM in Sri Lanka have not yet been finalised, however the Prime Minister and Secretary of State will use their visit to highlight human rights issues and press for progress on human rights both in Sri Lanka and in the wider Commonwealth.

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the total Exclusive Economic Zone covered by marine protected areas designated for biodiversity conservation is in (a) the three uninhabited British Overseas Territories, (b) the four British Overseas Territories to which the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended and (c) the other seven British Overseas Territories.

Mark Simmonds: Responsibility for the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) is devolved to Territory Governments. We do not therefore hold a central record of what proportion of the total exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the inhabited Territories are covered by MPAs.
	In the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) the UK in right of the BIOT did not establish a full EEZ. Instead we have claimed a 200 nautical miles zone in which it exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law concerning fisheries and living resources (the FCMZ) and protection and preservation of the marine environment (the EPPZ). The area of the FCMZ/EPPZ has been designated as an MPA, excluding only the island of Diego Garcia and its waters out to 3 nautical miles. The MPA covers an area of 640,000sq km.
	The MPA around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands covers its entire Maritime Zone (equivalent to an EEZ) north of 60 degrees south. This covers an area of 1.07 million sq km.
	British Antarctic Territory has no exclusive economic zone. However, in 2009, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources agreed a marine protected area of 94,000 km sq on the southern shelf of the South Orkney Islands.

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department initiated to foster (a) terrestrial and (b) protected area networks in each of the British Overseas Territories.

Mark Simmonds: Territory Governments are constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments, including the designation of any marine or terrestrial protected areas. The UK Government works in partnership to provide Territory Governments with the technical advice and support they need to fulfil their environmental commitments.
	In the uninhabited Territories and those directly governed by the UK Government, the principles of environmental protection and sustainable ecosystem management are enshrined in our activities. This can, if there is sufficient evidence to warrant so, involve the designation of marine and terrestrial protected areas.

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made as to whether exemplary environmental management with regard to biodiversity conservation is being achieved in the three uninhabited British Overseas Territories.

Mark Simmonds: The principles of environmental protection and sustainable ecosystem management are enshrined in our activities, in the uninhabited territories.
	British Antarctic Territory (BAT) is covered by the Antarctic Treaty System, whose signatories meet annually to ensure continued effective environmental management of Antarctica as a whole. In addition, the Government of BAT has developed an ambitious rolling five year strategy which has environmental protection at its core.
	The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands commissions a detailed report every few years that measures the biodiversity on and around the islands. It also makes recommendations for future policy, and reports on the effectiveness that previous measures have had.
	In the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) we are committed to working with our American partners to ensure the on-going protection of this unique environment. The BIOT Administration has developed a legislative framework which underpins the protection of sites and species of particular importance, and has also designated special reserves.

EU Institutions: Civil Servants

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether British civil servants seconded to the EU or to EU bodies pay tax at the same level as other British citizens.

David Lidington: Yes. Secondees from member state Governments to the EU Institutions pay tax on their salary as per domestic arrangements. British civil servants seconded to the EU will therefore pay tax on their salary at the same level of other British citizens. Some secondees will be paid living allowances which fall under the EU Institutions' tax arrangements.

European Parliament Members

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the income tax arrangements are for UK members of the European Parliament.

David Lidington: UK tax rules and rates apply to any salary, allowances and pension received as a UK MEP. Since 2009, the salary of most MEPs has also been subject to an EU level Community tax, which UK MEPs are entitled to offset against their overall UK tax liability.

Ilois: Resettlement

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the written statement of 8 July 2013, Official Report, columns 3-4WS, if he will ensure that the feasibility study is concluded by the summer of 2014 so that the Government can make decisions and take forward resettlement before the next election.

Mark Simmonds: While there is no fixed timetable for the conclusion of the exercise, we will aim to complete the exercise as quickly as possible. It is important that any feasibility study is thorough. The previous study, which was carried out 10 years ago, took 18 months to complete.

Ilois: Resettlement

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the scope of the Chagossian feasibility study is restricted to resettlement on the Outer Islands.

Mark Simmonds: The scope of the feasibility study has not yet been determined, but will be agreed by Ministers in due course.

Ilois: Resettlement

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that the Chagossian feasibility study is conducted by independent and objective consultants with the necessary scientific, economic and social science background.

Mark Simmonds: The Terms of Reference for the feasibility study have not yet been written. Our objective is for an open and transparent process that commissions the most suitable consultants to carry out the study.

Ilois: Resettlement

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to seek funding from non-UK government sources so that the cost of Chagossian resettlement is not a heavy ongoing contingent liability for the UK taxpayer.

Mark Simmonds: We will not seek to pre-empt the conclusions of the feasibility study, though the funding of any resettlement is clearly an important issue that will need to be considered as part of the process.

Iran

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received on Iran's nuclear programme in the last year.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received 33 inquiries about the state of Iran's nuclear programme during the last year, in addition to the frequent discussions of Iran's nuclear programme that take place in the course of regular diplomatic engagement. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), set out the UK's assessment of Iran's nuclear programme in his evidence to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 16 July 2013.

Israel

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the European Union-wide regulation requiring any agreement or contract signed by an EU country with Israel to include a clause stating that the settlements are not part of the State of Israel and therefore are not part of the agreement; what steps he will take to implement this regulation in any bilateral agreements with Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: On 19 July 2013 the EU published guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards. These guidelines were prepared to implement the commitment made by EU Foreign Ministers in December 2012 to make a distinction in relevant EU agreements and funding programmes between the state of Israel and Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
	The guidelines reiterate the long-held EU position that bilateral agreements with Israel do not cover the territory that came under Israel's administration in June 1967. They are intended to clarify the EU's position in advance of negotiations of agreements with Israel during the forthcoming financial perspective commencing in 2014. The specific provisions of the guidelines will not be implemented before 1 January 2014.
	A copy of the guidelines can be found at:
	http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/israel/documents/news/20130719_guidelines_on_eligibility_of_israeli_entities_en.pdf

Israel

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the role of G4S in the Israeli prison system.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not receive reports on G4S’s role in the Israeli prison system.
	However, the Government has made clear our concerns about Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees and our position on the illegality of Israeli settlements G4S, including at meetings with representatives from G4S in July 2013 and in October 2012.

Israel

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the UK's trade policy with respect to the EU's directive that member states should not sign deals with Israel unless a settlement exclusion clause is included.

Alistair Burt: We have not made any recent assessment of the UK trade policy with respect to the EU guidelines. The guidelines themselves apply to EU, rather than UK, programmes. They would only apply to a programme implemented by the UK if that programme received financial contributions from the EU budget.

Israel

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the Answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield of 12 June 2013, Official Report, column 355W, on Occupied Territories, whether UK companies operating in Israel and the Occupied Territories will be consulted during the development of a UK strategy on business and human rights.

Alistair Burt: A number of British companies were invited to a series of consultation workshops between 2012 and 2013 to help inform the drafting of the UK Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The various companies, of differing size, were selected to provide a mixed representation from across the business sectors, and were not selected according to the overseas geographical area in which they operate.

Israel

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the Answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield of 12 June 2013, Official Report, column 355W, on Occupied Territories, when his Department will publish the UK strategy on business and human rights.

David Lidington: The UK Action Plan on business and human rights will be launched on 4 September 2013 at an event hosted by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable).

Israel

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received calling for a boycott of Israeli goods and services in the last year.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received a number of parliamentary questions from Members of the House of Commons and the other place, letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents and letters and emails from members of the public calling for boycotts and sanctions to be imposed on Israel.
	We have been clear that we oppose sanctions and boycotts on Israel, and do not believe such steps would promote the urgent progress towards a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that we want to see.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what representations he has made to his Libyan counterpart on co-operation with the International Criminal Court on the trials of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah al-Senussi and other members of the former Gaddafi regime;
	(2)  what recent reports he has received on the recent announcement by al-Seddick al-Sur, a member of Libya's Office of the Public Prosecutor, who stated in a press conference on 17 June 2013 that the trials of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah al-Senussi are to start in the first half of August within Libya's national borders alongside the trials of other members of the former Gaddafi regime.

Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we continue to urge Libya's full cooperation with the court. During my recent visit to Tripoli in June this year, I raised the importance of continued co-operation between Libya and the ICC with Libyan Ministers. Furthermore, our ambassador in Tripoli has repeatedly encouraged the Libyan Government to continue to cooperate with the ICC. He raised the issue again as recently as 3 August 2013 with the Libyan Minister of Justice.
	On 18 July 2013 the ICC Appeals Chamber ruled against Libya's request, submitted on 7 June 2013, to suspend the transfer of Saif al-Qadhafi to the court. Libya is under an obligation to hand Saif al-Qadhafi over to the court. A significant factor preventing Libya from complying with its ruling to transfer Saif al-Qadhafi to The Hague is that he is not in state detention.
	We support the ICC Prosecutor's efforts to address these crimes, including in Libya. The UK is also committed to encouraging states to pursue domestic prosecution of crimes of sexual violence committed in conflict, and supports all efforts undertaken to combat this issue.
	The UK is providing significant support for the political transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme to help strengthen the capability, accountability and responsiveness of Libya's security, justice and defence sectors.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  if he will encourage the Libyan government to implement the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of 1 March 2013 on the treatment of materials seized during a visit by ICC staff to Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in 2012;
	(2)  if he will sponsor an urgent resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) affirming Libya's right to hold national trials under the principle of complementarity but demanding the Libyan Government co-operate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) over cases which are pursued by the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor under the jurisdication of UNSC Resolution 1970 and are found to be admissible under Article 19 of the ICC's Rome Statute.

Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we are fully committed to the principle that there should be no impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. We continue to urge Libya's full co-operation with all decisions of the Court in the Saif al-Islam Qadhafi case. UN Security Council Resolution 1970, which referred the situation in Libya to the ICC Prosecutor, decided that the Libyan authorities should cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor. We have no plans to propose a new UN Security Council resolution at this stage. We support the right of Libya to hold national trials for crimes committed within its jurisdiction; any action taken must be in line with the decisions of the ICC.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will issue a statement of support for the new Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, in bringing cases relevant to Libya addressing allegations of rape and sexual violence against other members of the former Gaddafi regime and allegations of crimes committed by rebels or revolutionary forces.

Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we continue to urge Libya's full cooperation with the court.
	We support the ICC Prosecutor's efforts to address these crimes, including in Libya. The UK is also committed to encouraging states to pursue domestic prosecution of crimes of sexual violence committed in conflict, and supports all efforts undertaken to combat this issue.
	The UK is providing significant support for the political transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme to help strengthen the capability, accountability and responsiveness of Libya's security, justice and defence sectors.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to offer Libya technical assistance other than that of a single detention advisor for that country's prison reform project; and what plans he has to engage personally on the issue of pursuing fairly national trials of members of the former Gaddafi regime with the support of international partners whilst transferring effectively to The Hague all individuals ordered to appear by Pre-Trial Chamber I in front of the International Criminal Court.

Alistair Burt: The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and we continue to urge Libya's full cooperation with the court. During my recent visit to Tripoli in June this year, I raised the importance of continued co-operation between Libya and the ICC with Libyan Ministers. Furthermore, our ambassador in Tripoli has repeatedly encouraged the Libyan Government to continue to cooperate with the ICC. He raised the issue again as recently as 3 August 2013 with the Libyan Minister of Justice.
	On 18 July 2013 the ICC Appeals Chamber ruled against Libya's request, submitted on 7 June 2013, to suspend the transfer of Saif al-Qadhafi to the court. Libya is under an obligation to hand Saif al-Qadhafi over to the court. A significant factor preventing Libya from complying with its ruling to transfer Saif al-Qadhafi to The Hague is that he is not in state detention.
	We support the ICC Prosecutor's efforts to address these crimes, including in Libya.
	The UK is providing significant support for the political transition in Libya and plans to increase technical assistance for the justice sector as part of a new three year programme to help strengthen the capability, accountability and responsiveness of Libya's security, justice and defence sectors.

Malaysia

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions officials based at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur met Malaysian police between 1995 and 1997; and whether the police investigation into the killings at Batang Kali in December 1948 were discussed on any such occasions.

Hugo Swire: We have no records on how many occasions officials at our high commission in Kuala Lumpur met Malaysian Police during the period 1995-97 and whether the Batang Kali case was discussed during meetings.

Malaysia

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what purpose officials based at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur monitored the 1993-96 Malaysian police investigation into the killings at Batang Kali, Malaya in December 1948.

Hugo Swire: Officials at our high commission in Kuala Lumpur monitored the Malaysian police investigation in order to keep the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London informed of developments and to help the Metropolitan Police make contact with the Royal Malaysian Police when the need arose.

Maldives

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his latest assessment is of the situation in the Maldives.

Alistair Burt: The Maldives continue to prepare appropriately for the first round of its presidential elections on 7 September.
	As outlined in my statement of 30 July, the British Government welcomed the confirmation that the chosen candidates of all political parties are able to stand in elections. Political campaigning in the country is now well under way, and EU Election Experts are currently in place in Malé. An official Commonwealth Observation Mission will also monitor the elections. Following presidential elections, we call on all parties to work together, and to respect the result of the election. We will continue to encourage all political parties to engage in political dialogue to keep improving this young democracy.
	Our high commission, together with international partners, monitors the situation in Maldives closely and will continue to engage with all political parties.

Middle East

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on reports of Israeli incitement against Palestinians.

Alistair Burt: Recent reports have concluded that both parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict need to do more to promote a positive portrayal of each other, reflecting the principles of co-existence, tolerance, justice and human dignity. The UK regularly condemns incitement and registers our concerns with both sides.

Middle East

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the length of the current appointment of the Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet and the arrangements for reappointments and new appointments.

Alistair Burt: No discussions have taken place within the EU on the length of appointment of the current Representative of the Middle East Quartet, or arrangements for reappointments or new appointments. The current Quartet Representative's role was agreed by the Quartet in 2007 and is open ended.

Middle East

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what accountability arrangements the EU agreed for the Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet.

Alistair Burt: The Quartet appointed Mr Blair as its Representative in 2007 to facilitate achieving the Quartet's objectives. His mandate is to mobilise international assistance to the Palestinians; help identify and secure the international support needed in order to address the institutional governance needs of the Palestinian Authority; and develop plans to promote Palestinian economic development. Within the framework of this mandate, the Quartet Representative reports back to the Quartet Principals, including the EU High Representative, Baroness Ashton.

Middle East

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on the remuneration of the Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet.

Alistair Burt: We do not hold information on remuneration of the Special Envoy to the Middle East Quartet.
	The hon. Member may wish to contact the Office of the Quartet Representative directly.

Middle East

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the EU has been consulted on the extension of the terms of reference of the Special Envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet to cover the political situation in Egypt.

Alistair Burt: The mandate of the Quartet Representative does not extend to covering the political situation in Egypt. Any comments made by the Quartet Representative on this subject are made in a personal capacity.

Nepal

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the effect of funding allocated under the EU's Nepal Peace Trust Fund.

Hugo Swire: The Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF) is a joint government-donor initiative to support the peace process in Nepal, which is owned and managed by the Government of Nepal. The UK is one of eight funding partners to the NPTF (others being Denmark, European Union, Finland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and the US).
	As a multi-donor initiative, regular monitoring of the impact is carried out jointly by the contributing partners, including Department for International Development (DFID) staff through regular field visits and reports updating on the progress made. Financial and progress reports, and annual certified audit statements are also provided to the donor group. DFID also carries out its own Annual Reviews.
	Finally, independent external reviews are carried out every two years. The reports can be found on the NPTF website.
	Since it was set up in 2007, the NPTF has played a significant role in supporting the peace process in Nepal. There have been a number of notable results, including support for; peaceful 2008 Constitutional Assembly elections, the integration of former Maoist combatants into the Nepal army, the construction of police units and police training, the clearance of mine fields, the implementation of Nepal's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Nepal

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to assist with addressing the problem of impunity in Nepal.

Hugo Swire: The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to ensure that any transitional justice mechanisms in Nepal are in line with international standards. The UK’s lobbying of the Government of Nepal and other decision-makers in the political parties, includes efforts to ensure that Nepal’s proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) complies with Nepal’s obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. Our embassy in Kathmandu continues to press Nepal to sign up to the Optional Protocol of the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), as well as pressing Nepal to implement and enforce measures agreed during its Universal Periodic Review in 2011-12.
	Furthermore, the UK has funded a number of projects in recent years which have focused on the issue of impunity and transitional justice in Nepal. Projects in this area include support for: strengthening the right to remedy and reparation for human rights abuse victims, efforts to ensure that Nepal’s proposed TRC genuinely exposes the truth around alleged conflict-era abuses, transitional justice training for political parties at Essex university, strengthening the criminal justice system in Nepal, and human rights training for the Nepalese army.

Nepal

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps the Government has taken to (a) support human rights defenders, (b) support those working to end impunity and (c) implement the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders in Nepal.

Hugo Swire: Our embassy in Kathmandu, in conjunction with other EU member states regularly raise the importance of protection for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) with the Nepalese Government.
	We have been clear on the need to protect those in civil society—including human rights defenders and journalists—who play a crucial role in holding governments accountable to this obligation. We also raised this issue at the Human Rights Council in March this year.
	We continue to play a leading role in the EU Working Group on HRDs in Nepal which regularly considers the situation of HRDs.
	Feedback from HRDs and advocacy groups suggest that they appreciate our Embassy's active role. We will continue to raise the issue with the Nepalese Government at appropriate opportunities.

Occupied Territories

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received in opposition to Israeli settlement activity.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received numerous parliamentary questions from Members of the House of Commons and the other place, letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents and letters and emails direct from members of the public on this issue.
	Representatives of President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority have raised concerns about settlement activity with us on a regular basis. The issue is also raised regularly in contacts with our European, Arab and other international partners.

Palestinians

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Palestinian Authority about fulfilling its Road Map commitment to end incitement against Israel.

Alistair Burt: Recent reports have concluded that both parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict need to do more to promote a positive portrayal of each other, reflecting the principles of co-existence, tolerance, justice and human dignity. The UK. regularly condemns incitement and registers our concerns with both sides.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the title is of each regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has introduced no new regulations since May 2010. One set of regulations was amended in 2013. The Consular fees (Amendment) regulations 2013 amended the schedule of fees prescribed under the Consular Fees Act 1980 to allow consular fees to be paid in sterling in addition to the currency in circulation at the place of payment. Consular fees are levied so that the costs of providing consular services can be recovered from the customers that use them. The regulations had no impact on business. This amendment will also result in a reduction in the costs to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of converting funds from foreign currency into sterling.

Republic of Ireland

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether holders of UK travel documents who are not UK citizens require a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland.

David Lidington: Whether someone needs a visa to enter a country is determined by their nationality, not by what travel documents they hold. UK and European Economic Area nationals do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland, but citizens of many other countries do.
	Detailed questions on immigration arrangements for the Republic of Ireland are a matter for the Government of the Republic of Ireland.

Tibet

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to his Chinese counterparts on the whereabouts and wellbeing of the 10 Tibetans who were shot and injured whilst taking part in a peaceful community picnic to celebrate the birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. [R]

Hugo Swire: The FCO made representations at official level on 23 July regarding this issue. We regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet with the Chinese Government and will continue to raise our concerns with the Chinese embassy in London and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing.

Welsh Language

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has a current Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May 2011.

David Lidington: This Government is fully committed to the Welsh language and to providing Government services in the Welsh language where there is demand for them. It is important that, in the non-devolved areas, sufficient support should be given to the Welsh language, and the Government is committed to ensuring this is done.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, along with other Government Departments, is not considered a “public body” under the provisions of the Welsh Language Act (section 21), meaning that it is not required to prepare Welsh language schemes. No such scheme has therefore been published.